[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E256-E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS BANQUET FOR THE OCCOQUAN-
              WOODBRIDGE-LORTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 27, 2025

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Annual 
Installation of Officers Banquet for the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton 
Volunteer Fire Department and to honor the 2024 Awardees.

[[Page E257]]

  The 2025 officers and members of the board of directors are taking 
leadership roles in one of Northern Virginia's longest standing 
volunteer fire departments. The O.W L. Volunteer Fire Department was 
born out of the need for organized fire response capabilities in the 
growing suburbs of Northern Virginia. In 1938, the Department 
officially formed to become the only fire department between 
Fredericksburg and Alexandria. In the subsequent decades O.W.L. has 
expanded to staff three stations and provide emergency medical 
services.
  The members of O.W.L. are dedicated community volunteers, and the 
2025 officers and directors will be diligent stewards of this tradition 
of service. The 148 active O.W.L. members answer thousands of calls and 
serve 95,000 people each year. Their job is demanding, and the hours 
are long, but they gladly serve for little more than the satisfaction 
of volunteerism and civic engagement. We would all do well to follow 
their example.
  The 2025 Officers: President Todd Hewitt, Executive Vice President 
Susan Wessolleck, Membership Secretary Stacey Godin, Treasurer Debra 
Haight, Sergeant at Arms Mark Bauer, Elections Officer Sabrina Brandon 
Ricks, Chief Wayne Haight, Assistant Chief Kurt Bolland, Assistant 
Chief Ernest DeSantis, Assistant Chief Ryan Williams, Assistant Chief 
of Rescue Sandra Williams, Fire Captain Steve Godin, EMS Captain Mike 
Yankaskas, Fire Lieutenant Peter Langone, Fire Lieutenant Jared 
Lawrence, EMS Lieutenant Aundrea Bonilla, EMS Lieutenant Leo Greenwald.
  Board of Directors: Frank Bruno, Mike Clark, Steve Godin, Dee 
Gottman, Dave Lukes, Stephanie Powers, Anna Smith, Cynthia Thackwray
  2024 Awardees: Betty Limerick Lifetime Service Award: Stacey Godin
  Roger T. Furr Chief's Award: Malak Hassan
  Richard A. McAvoy Award for EMS Service Award: Leo Greenwald
  John M. McGovern, Jr. Unsung Hero Award: Ernest DeSantis
  Robert F. Arrington Administrative Member of the Year Award: Melaina 
Lewis
  Fred M. Lynn Fire Crew Member of the Year Award: Daniel Collins
  Bonita F. Joseph EMS Crew Member of the Year Award: Steven Ostrosky
  New EMS Crew Member of The Year Award: Mitchell Connolly
  James W. Ludwig Owlet Award: Austin Williams
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me to congratulate these 
remarkable volunteers for their continued work. The Occoquan-
Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is to be commended for the 
vital service it provides to the Prince William and Fairfax community.

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