[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCCOQUAN-WOODBRIDGE-LORTON 
                       VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 85th Anniversary, 
as well as incoming 2023 officers, of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton 
Volunteer Fire Department.
  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 85-year history, the 
Department has continued to expand and there are now three stations 
staffed by over 200 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 include in the Record the names of the 
following Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department 
Officers:
  Operational Officers:
  Lt. Aundrea Bonilla, Lt. Mark Powers, Lt. Michael Yankaskas, Lt. 
Jonathan Baldwin, Lt. Reggie Lawrence, Capt. Melissa Westphal, Capt. 
Steve Godin, Capt. Scott Shaw, Assistant Chief Sandra Williams, 
Assistant Chief Kurt Bolland, Assistant Chief Ernest DeSantis, 
Assistant Chief Ryan Williams, Chief Wayne Haight.
  Administrative Officers:
  Sergeant at Arms--Mark Bauer, Election Officer--Sabrina Brandon 
Ricks, Treasurer--Debbie Haight, Membership Secretary--Stacey Godin, 
Executive Vice President--Sue Wessolleck.
  Board of Directors:
  Jonathan Baldwin, Frank Bruno, Mike Clark, Dee Gottman, Brenda Kuhn, 
Melissa Payne, Stephanie Powers, Steve Simmons, President--Dave 
Williams.
  Auxiliary Officers:
  Chaplain--Rita Arrington, Treasurer--Frances Spicer, Secretary--Sara 
Baldwin, Vice President--Kara Simmons, President--Leslie Quinn.
  While a new executive board has been elected and new officers sworn 
in, the mission of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire 
Department remains the same. These volunteers continue to put 
themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the residents of the area 
and have educated and mentored youth, not only teaching fire safety 
education, but also strengthening community relations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 85th 
Anniversary of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department 
and 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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