Volunteer and career staff at Station 414 with guests, including Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Chief Richard Bowers. Photo by John Nash
Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department dedicated its new fire engine during its open house on Saturday, Oct. 15. Pictured are volunteer and career staff at Station 414. Joining in the dedication were Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Chief Richard Bowers. Staff, volunteers and community members got to participate in a long-standing tradition in the fire service, and helped "push in" the new engine into the station.
Thousands of area residents visited the station on Saturday, learning about fire safety, touring various apparatus, trying a driving simulator, testing their firefighting skills on an obstacle course, and learning how to become a volunteer with the station.
The Pierce Velocity Pumper replaces an engine that has been in service since 2001 with approximately 150,000 miles. Last year, the engine ran 1,832 all-purpose (both fire and medical) calls.
BVFRD is a non-profit organization, and actively fundraises to help pay for operating expenses, including the cost of purchasing new apparatus and equipment. The engine cost nearly $700,000 to purchase, and will be financed with community donations, bingo and hall rental revenues.