News & Announcements

On Friday, February 25^th, 2022, twenty-five Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician’s graduated from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s 41^st recruit class in an official ceremony at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg. 

The recruits, their friends and family, along with members of fire and rescue leadership, Loudoun County Administration and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors looked on as Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens swore in the recruits as the newest members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS). 

Deputy Chief Randall L. Shank emceed the event and in his opening remarks, commended the recruits on their hard work and the commitment it took to complete the challenging 30-week recruit program. “As with every recruit class, these individuals have endured many hours of physical training, academic challenges, long and often challenging training evolutions, as well as countless evenings and weekends of studying and time spent away from their family and friends, stated Deputy Chief Shank. “They have been tested mentally, physically, and emotionally. They learned how to be part of a team and to function as a unit.” 

In remarks by Board of Supervisor Chair Phyllis Randall, the recruits were praised for their hard work and sacrifice and reminded that mental health and wellness are critical aspects of public safety that we should always be mindful of. Supervisor Michael Turner from the Ashburn district shared with the recruits a glimpse of his military experience and reminded the recruits to trust their instincts and use every opportunity to learn from the vast experience around them. 

 Assistant Chief James Williams addressed the audience on behalf of LC-CFRS, thanking not only the recruits for their dedication and perseverance, but also their families who supported them throughout this journey. Chief Williams reminded the graduates that this is just the beginning of their training, and that Loudoun’s residents are depending on them for protection and assistance during this unprecedented time. “As you transition from recruit to firefighter/EMT, let us not forget about the blood, sweat and tears that got you here today as well as the values, work ethic and discipline that has been instilled in you since day one,” stated Assistant Chief Williams.

Special recognition goes out to Firefighter/EMT Christopher Meyers who was designated top recruit for class 41. Firefighter Meyers showed exemplary leadership, poise and dedication throughout the challenging program earning the top recruit award. 

Also recognized, the Lieutenant Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award winner for recruit class 41, Firefighter/EMT Alexander Morales. 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. Firefighter Morales, like Lt. Keepers, embodies a character that never quit and pushed through adversity.    

These graduating recruits completed an extensive recruit academy that incorporated 1,000 hours of both emergency medical technician and firefighting training into a 30-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 41