Fire Chief John Butler is pleased to announce the promotion of Reena Thomson to Director of Human Resources for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD).
Thomson began her career with FCFRD in 2004 when she was hired as a payroll contact in the Human Resources Division. She was promoted to Personnel and Payroll Supervisor in 2006. Five years later, Thomson was promoted to Grant Specialist with the FCFRD Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) program, ensuring that funds were available for USAR equipment, programs, and activities that were not supported under general funds. While in this position, she earned a Grants Management certificate program placing her amongst the first County personnel to hold this certification. In 2017, Thomson was appointed USAR Fiscal Administrator. In this complex position, she oversaw all administrative and financial activities for the USAR program. In 2018, Thomson was honored with the FCFRD Civilian of the Year Award, the FCFRD’s highest civilian honor.
Combining her human resources and fiscal skills, Thomson was promoted to a senior leadership position as Human Resources Manager in 2021. She oversaw all responsibilities of the Human Resources Division. In her most recent role, Thomson served as the department’s Policy and Grievance Director where she managed the Policy and Grievance Administration Division and served as a subject matter expert for the Labor Contract Negotiation team.
As Human Resources Division Director, Thomson will lead the department’s Human Resources Division, which includes the Professional Standards Division. She will work closely with executive leadership to strategically advance and oversee the full range of human resources functions.
Thomson earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology and holds certification in Grants Management through Management Concepts.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Fairfax County Police Department are asking for the public’s help identifying individuals captured on surveillance video in connection with a fire at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training facility in Lorton.
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of a large column of black smoke coming from the USAR training facility located in the 9900 block of Furnace Road. Crews arrived to find a large storage facility with commercial equipment fully engulfed in flames. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Fire investigators are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. In addition to the FCFRD investigation, the Fairfax County Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation.
The facility supports training for the Fairfax County USAR allowing them to remain trained and ready to respond to disasters throughout the world. The team is currently deployed to assist with recovery following the devastating Venezuela earthquake.
Surveillance video from the facility shows several individuals at the location around the time of the fire. Anyone who recognizes the individuals or who has information about the incident is asked to submit a tip through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. You can remain anonymous. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Please leave contact information if you wish for a fire investigator to follow up with you.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:35 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire alarm at a strip shopping center in the 7200 block of Arlington Blvd in West Falls Church.
Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire inside a store. The fire was controlled and extinguished by two activated ceiling sprinkler heads before it could grow and spread further. Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by the discharge of a lithium-ion battery. No occupants were inside the store at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
This incident highlights the critical importance of properly installed and maintained sprinkler systems. In this case, the sprinkler system operated as designed and quickly controlled the fire, limiting fire growth and reducing the potential for significant damage to the business or surrounding businesses. Fire sprinklers remain among the most effective life-safety and property-protection features in commercial buildings.
Fire Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in determining what caused the fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday May 3, 2026, in the 11100 block of Popes Head Road.
At 3:06 a.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire in a one-story building. A vehicle driving by discovered the fire and called 911. There were no injuries. The building was vacant and had been listed for sale for an extended period of time.
Fire investigators determined that a group of individuals were at the building’s location on the evening of the fire. There was evidence that the location had been used previously by trespassers starting campfires or performing general vandalism within the vacant building.
Fire investigators are asking anyone who may have been in or around this location on or before the weekend of May 3 to help provide information that could help to close this case.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or 866-411-8477. Tips can also be given to the Fire Investigations Section at the Office of the Fire Marshal by phone at (703) 246-4386 or email at fire.investigations@fairfaxcounty.gov.
During National Volunteer Week, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department recognizes the volunteers who support our mission. FCFRD is a combined career and volunteer department with twelve volunteer departments that operate out of stations staffed by 24/7/365 by FCFRD career members. Through our volunteer departments and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, our volunteers are integrated into the department, contributing thousands of hours each year supporting operations and Community Risk Reduction initiatives while strengthening our relationship within our community.
VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENTS
Twelve non-profit volunteer fire and rescue departments work in partnership with Fairfax County to provide facilities, apparatus, and personnel to support the FCFRD. Over 490 operational volunteers provide supplemental staffing in the form of additional response units and by upstaffing frontline apparatus during normal operations, large-scale incidents, and county-wide emergencies, 23 of which are ALS providers. An additional 315 plus administrative members support the non-profit corporations, operate canteens, and serve as department chaplains. The departments currently include 490 active volunteers who worked 217,158 service hours in 2025.
The twelve departments are represented by the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Volunteer Fire Commission, a seven-member body appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)
For more than 22 years, Fairfax County CERT has prepared residents to support their communities during and after major emergencies. The program educates volunteers in disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, communications, and team organization. The program currently includes 527 active volunteers who worked 17,006 volunteer hours in 2025
In 2025 CERT members supported the FCFRD during 32 operational events, providing traffic and crowd management, sheltering, operate canteen, communications/ amateur radio, transportation support, and station coverage during Fire Station Open Houses. They also provided support services at 11 FCFRD training events, two community partner training events, and seven CERT Basic Training Final Exercises. CERT expanded their involvement in Community Risk Reduction initiatives, including fire alarm installations and Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, and continued to provide victim actors for FCFRD EMT training, Joint Police/FCFRD Civil Disturbance training, Virginia Task Force 1 exercises, and Joint Police/FCFRD Active Shooter exercises.
Fire investigators have determined that apartment building fire that occurred on April 15, 2026, in the 13400 block of Coppermine Rd was caused by improperly discarded smoking material. The fire originated in mulch located on the exterior of the building.
At 12:42 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of an exterior fire spreading to the building. First-arriving units found fire extending from the outside into a ground-floor apartment with flames reaching toward the second floor. Crews quickly began working to extinguish the fire and conduct searches while evacuating residents. One patient was evaluated on scene. There were no firefighter injuries.
The building was fully occupied at the time of the fire. An occupant smelled smoke outside his apartment. Upon investigation, he observed smoke coming from a mulch bed outside the building. All occupants were able to safely evacuate or shelter in place.
Three occupants were displaced. Damages are estimated at $98,275.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department members were among those honored at the 48th Annual Valor Awards held by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize Fairfax County first responders who have gone above and beyond through their remarkable actions and achievements.
INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX FIRE
Silver Valor Award
Lieutenant Matthew C. Quigley Master Technician Stephen D. Urban Firefighter William R. Allen Firefighter Connor G. Mullins Captain Timothy Genismore (Fort Belvoir) Firefighter Johnny Roberts, Jr. (Fort Belvoir) Firefighter/Paramedic Lawrence Shinn (Fort Belvoir) Firefighter Stephanie Hernandez-Sanchez (Fort Belvoir)
Bronze Valor Award
Lieutenant Timothy A. Adams Lieutenant Edgar Torres Technician Patrick C. Bebereia Technician Christopher J. George Firefighter Emilio C. De Leon Technician II Kelly Carlino (Prince William) Technician I Oscar Hernandez (Prince William)
On October 14, 2025, an outside fire was reported at Davis Industries in the Lorton area of Fairfax County. Engine 466, from Fort Belvoir, responded as the initial engine following initial reports of a small fire involving a salvage pile.
Due to high wind conditions, the fire rapidly escalated beyond the original scope of the incident. Upon arrival, E466’s crew identified a civilian trapped approximately 40 feet above ground in a crane and surrounded by smoke, heat, and fire. The crew immediately recognized the need to access the crane operator by climbing the crane’s access ladder, exposing them to the same extreme heat and fire conditions below. The crane operator was found semiconscious, experiencing intense coughing and significant respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation, and was unable to walk or climb to self-rescue.
Members of Tower Ladder 424 responded to the incident and encountered a large, wind-driven fire involving a salvage pile and surrounding equipment. One civilian and two Fort Belvoir firefighters were trapped on a crane approximately 50 feet above the fire.
The crew of Tower Ladder 424 acted quickly to position the apparatus and initiate rescue operations. Operating in near-zero visibility and strong wind conditions, the crew extended the aerial device over the active fire to reach the trapped individuals. The Tower Ladder 424 crew successfully removed all three individuals from the crane and lowered them to awaiting ALS 402 and Medic 502 from Prince William County for medical treatment.
Throughout the operation, crews worked in thick, dense, and highly toxic smoke. While transferring the victim to Tower Ladder 424, Captain Gensimore’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepiece became dislodged, directly exposing him to the hazardous smoke conditions. Recognizing the life-threatening condition of the now-unconscious victim, Captain Gensimore continued the rescue, knowingly exposing himself to dense smoke without the protection of his SCBA.
Recognizing the severity and urgency of the situation, the crews of Tower Ladder 424 and Engine 466 operated with purpose and efficiency, placing themselves in significant danger to facilitate the rescue. Their decisive actions prevented a far more serious outcome and directly resulted in the successful rescue of all individuals involved.
The crews of Engine 419, Medic 502, and ALS 402 provided direct, immediate support to facilitate medical care while operating on the ground in a dense, wind-driven, unstable fire environment with limited visibility. Their actions directly supported the rescue mission and significantly contributed to its successful outcome.
CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE WITH MULTIPLE PATIENTS
Bronze Valor Award
Lieutenant James J. Hannan III Technician Jeb G. Hayden Firefighter Josiah C. Chen Firefighter Dylan P. Van Stry Firefighter Sean B. Whiting Firefighter/Medic Moeed A. Ghazi
On March 27, 2025, Engine 410 was initially dispatched to a call for a child feeling unwell. While en route, the incident was upgraded to include a second patient with suspected food poisoning. Engine 410 requested an additional transport unit. Medic 410 was added to the response.
Upon arrival, Lieutenant Hannan received updated information and directed crews to deploy four-gas monitors due to the potential for a carbon monoxide (CO) incident. As Engine 410 and Ambulance 410 approached, it was determined that multiple occupants were likely inside the home.
When inside the four-gas monitors alarmed at 1,400 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide, indicating an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) environment. Crews ordered all occupants to evacuate the structure.
While evacuating, FF/Paramedic Ghazi and Technician Hayden discovered a patient face down in a bathroom and a second patient unresponsive in a bedroom. Firefighter Whiting, Firefighter Van Stry, and Firefighter Chen assisted in evacuating three additional patients. All three patients collapsed upon exiting the residence. Once outside, crews were advised that the occupants were a family of five.
With all occupants removed, Lieutenant Hannan established command and divided personnel to maintain patient care while addressing scene safety. FF/Paramedic Ghazi, Technician Hayden, Firefighter Van Stry, and Firefighter Chen focused on patient treatment and coordination with transport units. Lieutenant Hannan and Firefighter Whiting donned SCBA, re-entered the residence, and conducted a search to confirm no additional victims remained inside.
Medic 410 transported two patients to the hospital. Ambulance 410 transported one patient. The remaining two patients declined transport but were reevaluated multiple times to confirm their safety.
Lieutenant Hannan demonstrated exceptional leadership by rapidly identifying the potential carbon monoxide hazard, directing the use of gas monitoring equipment, coordinating resources, and maintaining effective incident command throughout the event.
FF/Paramedic Ghazi and Technician Hayden acted decisively by locating and removing unconscious patients from a toxic environment, initiating immediate medical care, and coordinating transport during a rapidly evolving and hazardous situation.
Firefighters Whiting, Chen, and Van Stry displayed courage and professionalism by assisting with the rapid evacuation of multiple victims and conducting an SCBA-protected search of a residence containing life-threatening concentrations of carbon monoxide.
These actions prevented further injury or loss of life. Carbon monoxide levels of 1,400 ppm present an extreme, invisible danger; exposure to concentrations exceeding 800 ppm can be fatal in less than one hour.
APARTMENT FIRE WITH BARRICADED VICTIM
Bronze Valor Award
Captain Randall J. Allen Lieutenant Kirill Bondaruk Technician Brandon H. Goodman Technician Lauren A. Wickson Technician Mark C. Langmead Firefighter Ramere S. Bethea Firefighter Robert V. Eickenhorst Firefighter Zachary C. Kuzmak Firefighter Mark G. Martinez Firefighter Jake M. Rininger
On December 19, 2025, units were dispatched to the City of Alexandria for a reported apartment fire in a six-story residential mid-rise building. Initial information indicated the fire had been intentionally set inside an occupied apartment. Truck 410 split its crew and advanced to the sixth floor. They were met with smoke conditions in the public hallway. Apartment 608 was quickly identified as the fire unit. Engine 410 arrived and established water supply, connected to the standpipe system, and advanced an attack line to the seat of the fire.
Truck 410 identified the apartment of origin. An activated sprinkler was observed within the apartment. Fire suppression operations were initiated, and a primary search was conducted. During the search, personnel encountered a locked bedroom door with active sprinkler discharge. Forcible entry was delayed by a bed frame and mattress blocking the door. Once access was gained, crews encountered floor-to-ceiling smoke and several inches of water. An unconscious adult male in cardiac arrest was found in the room.
Personnel rapidly removed the victim and relocated him to the elevator lobby. CPR and resuscitative care were initiated and continued there while awaiting elevator access. Medic 410 carried all EMS equipment up six flights of stairs and integrated advanced life support into the ongoing resuscitation as fire suppression and search operations continued. Due to evacuation delays, elevator access was delayed by approximately 12 minutes.
Despite the extended extrication time, Company 410 maintained uninterrupted patient care throughout removal and transport. The patient achieved return of spontaneous circulation before transferring to the emergency department staff. Although multiple units operated on the scene, the coordinated and decisive actions of Engine 410, Truck 410, and Medic 410 were central to containing the fire, limiting property damage, and providing the resident with the best possible chance of survival.
Engine 410, Truck 410, and Medic 410 demonstrated coordinated, disciplined, and courageous service. Their rapid identification of the fire apartment, aggressive search under adverse conditions, calculated decision to force entry into a barricaded bedroom, seamless transition from suppression to advanced life support, and sustained patient care during extended transport reflect the highest standards of the FCFRD.
VEHICLE FIRE AT SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
Bronze Valor Award
Captain William A. Harrington Firefighter Zachary C. Kuzmak Firefighter Mark G. Martinez Firefighter Jake M. Rininger
Certificate of Valor
Captain Michael J. Greulich Lieutenant Preston R. Elder III Technician Thomas A. Dondero Technician Mark C. Langmead Technician Lauren A. Wickson Technician Marcus D. Wilson Technician Kevin J. Winkler Firefighter Hailey E. Moore
On April 20, 2025, units were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire. While en route, the incident was upgraded to a possible structure fire based on conflicting reports that a nearby residence was also burning. Upon arrival, Engine 410 encountered an overturned electric vehicle, heavily involved in fire and on its side in the front yard of a single-family residence. An assessment of the scene determined that despite extreme heat and flame volume there was no fire extension to the structure.
Engine 410 initiated fire suppression while continuing to monitor the scene to ensure exposure protection. Truck 410 simultaneously located a critically injured civilian who had been removed from the vehicle and advised that a second civilian remained trapped inside. This information prompted a rapid and coordinated EMS response. Rescue 408 arrived and began stabilizing the compromised vehicle while fire conditions remained active and lithium-ion battery cells continued to discharge and explode within the wheel wells and floorboard.
Ultimately, four patients were triaged: one deceased, one life-threatening, and two non-life-threatening. Approximately 20 minutes of continuous water application were required to interrupt battery involvement. After suppression and triage were completed, selected units remained on scene for several additional hours to assist with crash reconstruction, support law enforcement, and ensure the dignified removal of the deceased. Engine 410 later followed the tow truck, transporting the vehicle to the FCPD evidence yard to monitor for potential reignition of the electric vehicle—a rare post-incident responsibility undertaken solely to ensure community safety.
This incident differed significantly from a typical vehicle fire due to the extreme flame volume produced by the electric vehicle battery pack, multiple injuries, and a trapped and deceased occupant, and a prolonged operational timeline that required crews to perform duties well beyond suppression and rescue. Personnel not only contained the fire and delivered advanced medical care but also remained on scene for hours to preserve investigative integrity and maintain dignity for the deceased. Responsibilities such as escorting the vehicle to prevent reignition and assisting medical examiner and law enforcement personnel exemplify service extending beyond routine operations.
The personnel and units listed above are nominated for their actions, which prevented fire extension to the residence, provided the injured occupant the best possible chance of survival, preserved community safety after the incident, and demonstrated technical competence consistent with the highest ideals of the FRD. Their performance under chaotic and emotionally demanding conditions merits valorous recognition.
VEHICLE FIRE WITH UNRESPONSIVE ENTRAPPED DRIVER
Certificate of Valor
Captain Mitchell C. Zumwalt Lieutenant Paul M. Kaulfers EMS Technician Dy’Lan D. Barr Technician Dustin A. Green Technician Sean J. Sack Firefighter Quinton J. Gross
On May 26, 2025, Engine 405 and Medic 405 were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Kingstowne Commons Drive and Gillingham Row. While en route, dispatch updates indicated the incident involved a single vehicle that struck a tree at a high rate of speed with reports of a possible vehicle fire and occupant entrapment.
Upon arrival, E405 and M405 confirmed one vehicle off the roadway, engulfed in fire, and the driver was unresponsive and trapped inside. The engine compartment was fully involved, and the fire extended into the passenger compartment.
Firefighter Gross immediately deployed the front bumper line and began fire suppression efforts on the engine compartment to slow fire progression. Simultaneously, Technician Sack donned his SCBA and gained limited access to the patient through the driver’s side door. Upon making contact, the patient regained consciousness and became disoriented by the fire conditions and rescue efforts. The driver moved rapidly and was able to crawl into the back seat. Crews quickly removed the patient through the rear window.
The patient was moved to a safe location for assessment and treatment by Medic 405 under the care of Technician Sack. Due to the rapid and coordinated actions of Engine and Medic 405, the patient sustained no burn injuries. Following a rapid trauma assessment, the patient was transported by M405.
Due to the nature of the initial dispatch, E405 and M405 arrived significantly ahead of additional responding units. Crews were immediately faced with multiple competing priorities, including an advancing vehicle fire and an entrapped occupant, requiring the efficient and effective use of limited personnel and resources.
This incident exemplifies extreme bravery, decisive action, and exceptional coordination. Through the rapid allocation of limited resources, the crew successfully extinguished a rapidly advancing vehicle fire with extension into the passenger compartment, removed an initially unresponsive entrapped driver through a confined access point, and transitioned seamlessly to emergency medical care. Their actions directly contributed to the preservation of life and the successful outcome for the patient.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING FIRE
Certificate of Valor
Lieutenant Shane S. Dickinson Firefighter William C. Dolan Firefighter Corey J. Smith Firefighter Taylor H. White
On August 12, 2025, Truck 410 was dispatched to a single-family structure fire in Arlington County. As the first-arriving unit, Truck 410 encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the first floor of a two-story home. Members of Truck 410 immediately divided their responsibilities. Two firefighters conducted a search ahead of the hose line, while two others provided ladders for egress and rescue. The inside crew located a victim on the second floor, moved them to a window laddered by the outside crew, and successfully removed the victim to EMS for treatment.
Lieutenant Dickinson and Firefighter Smith conducted a search of the second floor without the protection of a hose line, facing limited visibility and extreme heat conditions. Their efforts led to the discovery and successful rescue of a second fire victim via a ground ladder placed by Firefighters White and Dolan.
The actions of Truck 410 members exemplify bravery, professionalism, and dedication to duty. They went above and beyond the call of duty by entering the structure without immediate hose line protection, pressing forward into an extremely hazardous environment to conduct primary searches for occupants. Their ability to remain composed and mission-focused under extreme heat and structural compromise enabled them to locate the sole occupant of the home and coordinate flawlessly as a team for the rapid and safe removal of victims. These decisive actions not only saved lives but also served as an inspiring testament to the courage, selflessness, and skill required in this line of work.
HOUSE FIRE WITH VICTIMS
Certificate of Valor
Captain Austin A. Bigdely Technician Tory J. Albertson Technician Ben J. Gaynor Firefighter Rene A. Campos Salmeron Firefighter Andre R. Velasquez Probationary Firefighter Jonathan R. Cochran
On November 29, 2025, at 1:46 a.m., units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the City of Fairfax Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire. While en route, dispatch received multiple calls reporting rapid fire spread throughout the structure with the possibility of several occupants trapped inside.
Engine 414 and Medic 414 were the first units to arrive on scene. Engine 414 reported a multi-story single-family residence with significant fire showing, a bystander reporting multiple potential victims inside, and a female occupant visible from a top-floor window. Confronted with a rapidly deteriorating incident, limited staffing, and an immediate life hazard, Captain Bigdely, Technician Gaynor, Technician Albertson, Firefighter Velasquez, Firefighter Campos Salmeron, and Probationary Firefighter Cochran demonstrated sound judgment and decisive tactical action.
While a 360-degree size-up of the structure was conducted, PFF Cochran stretched an attack hose line as FF Campos deployed a 24-foot extension ladder. During this operation, PFF Cochran fell into a covered pool at the rear of the residence but was able to self-rescue and began flowing water onto the fire. FF Campos positioned the ladder and Captain Bigdely assisted in extending it to reach the top-floor window. PFF Cochran was then directed to reposition his charged hose line and apply water into the top-floor window. While advancing the line, PFF Cochran fell a second time but quickly recovered.
At that point, the female occupant was no longer visible at the window, and heavy, turbulent black smoke was venting from the opening. PFF Cochran applied a water stream to the top-floor window as FF Campos donned his SCBA and ascended the ladder. PFF Cochran then redirected his stream to the first-floor window below to protect FF Campos during the rescue. FF Campos located the female occupant, removed her from the window, and carried her down the ladder, where she was transferred to Technicians Albertson and Gaynor.
Simultaneously, Technician Gaynor deployed Engine 414’s 14-foot ladder to a first-floor window on to support an interior search for additional victims. He then returned to Engine 414 to deploy the 2½-inch blitz line before assuming patient care responsibilities. Technician Albertson provided exceptional advanced life support care.
Following the rescue, Engine 414’s crew remained actively engaged in fire suppression operations, cycling through two SCBA air cylinders. Both FF Campos and PFF Cochran sustained injuries during the incident, with one member requiring transport.
On Wednesday, March 4, at 4:13 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of a house fire in the 2600 block of East Side Drive in Belle Haven. Crews arrived to fire showing from the roof a two-story single-family home. Units began fire suppression and search operations and brought the fire under control. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Two occupants were home and asleep when the fire occurred. One occupant woke up after smelling smoke. Upon investigation, they observed fire in the wall of an adjacent closet. Both occupants evacuated and then called 911. Smoke alarms were present but did not activate due to the location of the fire.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated within the wall of a second-floor bedroom as the result of an electrical event. The fire was accidental. Damages are estimated at approximately $20,129.
With deep sadness, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announces the line-of-duty-death of Master Technician Raul Perla on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from occupational cancer.
Master Technician Perla was hired as a firefighter in 1996 and served with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for nearly 28 years. He joined the department as a member of Recruit Class 91. He was a long-time and dedicated member of the department’s urban search and rescue (US&R) and technical rescue operation teams, deploying to 12 domestic and international disasters. Master Technician Perla was known internationally for his work as a US&R instructor, member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, and led countless simulated disaster exercises worldwide. He retired from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in December 2023.
In addition to his career as a firefighter, Master Technician Perla served in the United States Navy, beginning in 1986. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer while serving with the United States Navy Seabees. During his military service, he completed two combat tours in the Middle East before retiring from the Navy in 2012.
Master Technician Perla was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend. His selfless service to his department and community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. He was known for his life motto, “Others Before Self”. He will be greatly missed.
The men and women of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue extend our deepest condolences to Master Technician Perla’s wife Jill, and daughters Summer and Sage, as well as extended family, friends, and anyone whose life he touched.
Last week, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD), along with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Arlington County Fire Department, City of Alexandria Fire Department, and Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department, had the honor of receiving the 2025 Governor’s Fire Service Award for Career Outstanding Fire Department Response for our contributions during the January 29, 2025, aircraft crash on the Potomac River.
On January 29, 2025, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) received an alert from the FAA Tower of an aircraft crash of a US Army helicopter and PSA Airlines Flight 5342. An immediate search to locate wreckage and passengers commenced. Boats were deployed by multiple partner agencies. Over twenty mutual aid fire and EMS teams responded to the incident. The immediate and unwavering decisions set up the incident for a well-managed response. Without the training and dedication of all mutual aid partners, the response would not have been possible.
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards, established in 2002, are presented annually by the Governor of Virginia in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Fire Services Board.
FCFRD was also honored with the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Best Practices in Fire Service Health and Safety Award for our state-of-the-art Fairfax County Public Safety Occupational Health Center and proactive cancer screenings. This award was created to recognize the health and safety efforts of Virginia fire and rescue departments.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department News 