For Additional Information:
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer
[email protected] or 571-233-1649
February 27, 2018
Brower Named Virginia’s Career Fire Chief of the Year
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue is proud to announce that W. Keith Brower, Jr., Chief of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System has received the 2018 Governor’s Fire Service Award for Career Fire Chief of the year. This esteemed award is presented annually by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
Chief Brower was presented the award by Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran on Saturday, February 24th, during a ceremony at the 2018 Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach. Sponsored by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, the conference provides educational opportunities across the fire and emergency medical services areas.
Chief W. Keith Brower, Jr. is deserving of this award not only for his forty-four years of service to Loudoun County, but for his continued devotion to fire prevention across Virginia. Chief Brower began his tenure in the fire service in 1973 and became the Chief of Loudoun County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management in 2010. Under Brower’s leadership, the County transitioned from 17 separate organizations into one of the largest combined fire and rescue systems in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Perhaps one of Chief Brower’s most important contributions to Virginia’s Fire Service is his unwavering passion and support for fire prevention. Brower has become a recognized leader for issues involving the development and implementation of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. A consummate leader, Chief Brower has demonstrated his skills at local, state, and national levels. He has had a significant impact on the fire service through teaching and mentoring others, facilitating associations and departments through difficult national issues, and writing on a number of key topics for the fire service. Chief Brower’s support of residential sprinklers and engagement with many national organizations is unprecedented. Chief Brower is highly respected in both Loudoun County and the Commonwealth of Virginia for his efforts and his ability to accomplish the mission.
“I am proud of Chief Brower and his accomplishments, and am excited to see his career achievements recognized by his colleagues," said County Administrator Tim Hemstreet. "It is gratifying to see Virginia’s Fire Chiefs confirm what we in Loudoun have known for many years.”
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