On Friday, April 24, 2020, twenty-five Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician’s graduated from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s 39th recruit class. In lieu of a traditional graduation ceremony with friends and family, several members of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s leadership joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens as he swore in the recruits in preparation for their station assignments. Assistant County Administrator John Sandy graciously addressed the recruits, acknowledging their perseverance and commending them for their courage. A virtual ceremony was streamed online so loved ones could participate while maintaining effective social distancing measures.
Deputy Chief of Training Randall L. Shank and System Chief Keith H. Johnson addressed the recruits, commending them on their hard work and dedication, recognizing their accomplishments and acknowledging that Loudoun County residents are depending on them for protection and assistance during this unprecedented time.
Special recognition goes out to Firefighter/EMT Lance O’Brien who was designated top recruit for class 39. Firefighter O’Brien showed exemplary leadership, poise and dedication throughout the challenging program earning the top recruit award. The Lt. Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award winner for class 39 is Firefighter/EMT Daniel Wawrzusin. The Lieutenant Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award was established to memorialize Lt. Keepers, who was tragically killed in 2007, and is awarded to the recruit who made outstanding improvements throughout the recruit academy.
“This is a proud moment for our fire and rescue system,” stated Chief Johnson. “Through their dedication to our core values, teamwork, integrity, professionalism and service, these fine individuals will make valuable contributions to our fire and rescue family and the community as a whole.”
These graduating recruits completed an extensive recruit academy that incorporated 1,000 hours of both emergency medical technician and firefighting training into a 28 week program. The following personnel will now begin their careers as Loudoun County Firefighter/EMTs, assigned to various fire and rescue stations throughout the county:
Congratulations Recruit Class 39
Brooke Beckley | Trevor Bruley | Jacob Buhl | Joshua Burns | Christopher Cloud |
Alexandra Dessyatova | Logan Dinterman | Joseph Dundas | Hannah Gordon | Martin Heaney-Newland |
John Hohenschutz | Joshua Jones | Mason Kaylor | Jared Lamb | Jacob Marks |
Tyler Martin | Lance O’Brien | Riley Oremus | Juan Rivas-Ventura | Jonathan Sauter |
Andrew Schreffler | Nicholas Slater | Brandon Wallo | Daniel Wawrzusin | Ryan Welch |
