Loudoun First Responders Foundation Quarterly Update
This newsletter is dedicated to the Loudoun First Responders Foundation’s work to support the men and women of Loudoun’s law enforcement, fire, and rescue communities.
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Loudoun First Responders Foundation Awards $51,000 in Scholarships to Children of Loudoun's Public Safety Heroes
The Loudoun First Responders Foundation awarded $51,000 in scholarships to 26 exceptional high school seniors who are the children of Loudoun first responders, or first responders themselves.
This includes the inaugural Trevor Brown Memorial Scholarship, valued at $10,000, which was awarded to Rhys Castel, a volunteer with the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The Loudoun First Responders Foundation will award the Trevor Brown Memorial Scholarship annually to honor the memory of Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who lost his life in a February 2023 house explosion.
In addition, one student received a $5,000 scholarship, and 24 students were awarded $1,500 scholarships.
Celebrating Our Future Leaders
This year’s scholarship recipients are a diverse and accomplished group. Of the 26 seniors:
20 are children of Loudoun First Responders.
5 are Fire & Rescue Volunteers themselves.
1 student is a Fire & Rescue Volunteer with a Loudoun first responder parent.
This year’s recipients come from 20 high schools in and outside Loudoun County, and two home-schooled students.
Firefighter Trevor Brown posthumously awarded Gold Medal of Valor at 40th Annual Loudoun Valor Awards
Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown was awarded the Gold Medal of Valor, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Loudoun First Responder community, at the 40th Annual Loudoun Valor Awards on Wednesday, April 9th.
His wife was there to receive the posthumously awarded honor in front of 600 of Loudoun’s top business, community, and public safety leaders. A total of 175 honors were presented to public safety personnel and citizens at this Loudoun Chamber of Commerce event.
Firefighter Brown lost his life while responding to an incident that resulted in a home explosion in Sterling in February of 2024.
James Williams Named Loudoun's New Combined Fire & Rescue System Chief
Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams has been selected to serve as the system’s new chief, replacing retiring Chief Keith Johnson, Virginia’s 2024 Fire Chief of the Year.
Williams was chosen by Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet after an extensive national search. Chief Johnson served as chief of the system since 2018.
Highlighting Our Loudoun Public Safety Heroes
The Loudoun First Responders Foundation has started a new public awareness campaign to celebrate our local public safety personnel called “Meet Our First Responders.”
This profile highlights both the professional and personal aspects of our first responder community, which allows us the opportunity to get to know the woman or man behind the uniform.
Make sure to follow and like the Loudoun First Responders Foundation Facebook page and check out the upcoming “Meet the First Responder” profiles.
Honoring Our Heroes: LCPS Hosts Annual First Responders Appreciation Lunch on June 26
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) continues its tradition of recognizing the bravery of local first responders through its annual First Responders Appreciation Lunch.
Now in its fourth year, this event, brings together schools, businesses, and local organizations to say a collective “thank you” to those who keep our students, staff, and neighborhoods safe.
A Community United in Gratitude
What began as a simple gesture of gratitude has grown into a cherished annual event.
Produced in partnership with the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, the Loudoun School-Business Partnership and the Loudoun Education Foundation, and local businesses, this special luncheon honors the tireless efforts of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel.
More Than a Meal
While the lunch itself is a highlight, the true purpose of the event is to express sincere gratitude. It’s a moment for students, educators, and community members to come together and recognize the vital role first responders play in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Loudoun County.
Thank you to Our Partners
The Loudoun First Responders Foundation can do the important work we do of supporting our First Responders in their times of need only because of the generous support of our donors and partners.
These outstanding Loudoun County businesses deserve our gratitude and support. Please remember them as you look for local businesses to work with. Here are just a few of our Foundation’s very generous Partners.