Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-246-3801, TTY 703-385-4419 and 703-385-1687
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

12/02/2005

115th Recruit Firefighter Graduation

Since July 25, 2005, 31 recruit firefighters from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been trained to handle hazardous materials incidents, emergency vehicle extrication operations, swift water, and confined rescue, fire suppression, and emergency medical incidents. The 20-week recruit firefighter/EMT course is strenuous, both physically and mentally. Firefighter recruits will officially become professional firefighter/EMT’s at graduation.

Aubrey W. "Buddy" Hyde, Jr., Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) will be the graduation speaker. Hyde was appointed by Governor Mark R. Warner to serve as the Executive Director on November 1, 2004.

He has been employed by Virginia state government for over ten years. Before coming to work at VDFP, Hyde served under the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) as an Assistant Fire Chief of their Virginia Air National Guard Fire and Rescue Department, and Chapel Hill Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Fire Captain.

Hyde holds a degree in Masters of Public Administration from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and is certified in many national fire services subjects, and is a member of numerous state and national fire-rescue associations.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) provides technical assistance to local fire departments, health educators, medical and public health professionals, and community service organizations.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call 703-246-3801 and TTY 703-285-4419.