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Health & Fitness

A Time to Remember Fire & EMS Heroes

Virginia's Fire and Emergency Medical personnel deserve our respect, appreciation, and affection.

In late May, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell proclaimed June 2-8 as the first-ever Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Memorial Week in Virginia. Over the last week, Virginians have honored those who have given their lives as members of Virginia’s Fire and EMS community.

During this inaugural commemoration, Virginia has honored firefighters and EMS personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their neighbors, communities, and fellow citizens.

Additionally, this has been an appropriate time to remember the more than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel who have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Death Act since 1883.

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Today, the work of these fallen heroes is carried on by more than 36,000 EMS providers and 125,171 career and volunteer firefighters throughout the Commonwealth. In 2012, these valiant Virginians responded to 79,000 fire calls and 1,217,791 EMS calls.

In Prince William County, we are blessed by the splendid public service of our own Department of Fire and Rescue, consisting of more than 500 personnel led by an outstanding and dedicated public servant, Chief Kevin J. McGee.

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As Virginia’s first Fire and EMS Memorial Week draws to a close, all citizens should remember those fire and emergency medical personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay their respects to the survivors of our fallen heroes.

These heroes have earned our lasting respect. We should give no less.

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Del. Rich Anderson, a retired 30-year Air Force colonel, represents Prince William County’s 51stHouse District in the Virginia General Assembly and sits on four standing House committees:  Finance, Transportation, General Laws, and Science and Technology. He also chairs the General Assembly Military and Veteran Caucus and the Virginia Commission on Civics Education.

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