PHOTOS: Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Awards Banquet

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) and its Auxiliary recently celebrated its members at their Volunteer Awards Banquet.  The VVFD is currently in their 111th year of service and awarded several deserving members for the year 2013:
 

• Firefighter Gene Jacob won Firefighter of the Year. 
• Judi Medwedeff was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award for 2013, the only award voted on by the membership.
• Monica Haley received the President's Award for her excellent work redesigning our website, and for her continued work as a bingo manager and graphic designer.   
• Chief John Morrison awarded Bill Padgett a Chief's Award for his diligent service to the Canteen and Antique programs.  
• Chief Morrison also awarded Fairfax County Technician Eric Bartholomew a Chief's Award for his time spent in placing the brand new Fire Engine into service in 2013. 
• Other recipients included Technician Giovanni Vasquez of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department who got the Robert Hunter Award for his continuing commitment to embracing the Career/Volunteer partnership. 
• The Kate Johnson Award, which is given to a member of the VVFD and a member of the Auxiliary for selfless service, was awarded to Bill Padgett (VVFD), and to Peggie Murray (Auxiliary) for sustained outstanding service.  
• Nathan Hellman was awarded EMT of the Year
• Lisa Emerson won the Auxiliary's Vera Lloyd Award. 
• Anne Kelleher received Volunteer of the Year (Auxiliary).
• The Leon Freeman Award, which is named after the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department's founder, and is awarded to a Life Member who exhibits continued professionalism and dedication, was awarded to Joan Dempsey.  Ms. Dempsey serves as the current President of the VVFD Auxiliary and President of the Virginia State Auxiliary.

Between the VVFD and its Auxiliary, members volunteered over 31,000 hours in 2013 alone. The VVFD relies on volunteers from the community. For information on becoming a volunteer, visit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Web site.