[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE INCOMING 2020 OFFICERS OF THE OCCOQUAN-WOODBRIDGE-
                    LORTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2020

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the incoming 2020 
officers of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. 
OWLVFD is located in Prince William County Virginia, 25 miles from our 
Nation's Capital. The OWLVFD goes on an average of 20,000 runs per 
year, aiding 80,000 residents in a 27 square mile area.
   Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1938, the OWLVFD is 
comprised of committed community members who volunteer their time, 
energy, and financial resources to ensuring the safety of the families 
and property in and around Woodbridge. During its 80-year history, the 
Department has continued to expand and there are now three stations 
staffed by approximately 250 volunteers who serve and protect an ever-
growing local population. From their bravery in action, to their 
presence with the youth in the community, OWLVFD is readily available 
for the families of Woodbridge.
   It is with great honor I enter into the Record the names of the 
following Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department 
Officers:
   Department Chief--Rick Michael
   Department President--David Williams
   Executive Vice President--George Smith
   Membership Secretary--Scott Shaw
   Treasurer--Debra Haight
  Board of Directors--Jonathan Baldwin, Mike Clark, Anna Smith, Rebecca 
Barnes, Michele Bauer, Melissa Payne, Zachary Wessolleck, Kevin Lewis
   Election Officer--Sabrina Brandon Ricks
   Sergeant-At-Arms--Thomas Hubbard
   Assistant Chiefs--Kurt Bolland, Ernest DeSantis, Steve Godin, Wayne 
Haight, Ryan Williams
   Rescue Chief--Edward Craig
   Fire Captains--Kody Perry, Justin Witt
   Rescue Captain--Sandra Williams
   Fire Lieutenants--Mark Chandler, Jonathan Baldwin
   EMS Lieutenants--Melissa Westphal, Sybil Meeley, Michael Yankaskas, 
Mark Powers.
   While a new executive board has been elected and new officers sworn 
in, the mission of OWLVFD remains the same. The volunteers of the 
OWLVFD continue to put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the 
residents of the area and have educated and mentored the youth in 
Woodbridge, not only teaching fire safety education, but also 
strengthening community relations.
   Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleague join me in recognizing the 
men and women of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire 
Department for their service to our country and steadfast commitment to 
their community and in congratulating the newly elected officers and 
board members. I thank them for their dedication and to all I say: 
``Stay safe.''

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