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

2005 Career Firefighter of the Year Ceremony

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department selected Lieutenant William M. Best, Jr., as the 2005 Career Firefighter of the Year. The ceremony will be held at the Fairfax County Public Safety Center, 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, December 8, 2005, at 1:30 p.m.

Lieutenant William M. Best, Jr., a 12-year veteran of the Department, is assigned to the Fair Oaks Fire and Rescue Station 21, A-Shift. Lieutenant Best started the Department’s Fire and Rescue Support Team (FiRST) program to assist firefighters and their families during an emergency or crisis. The FiRST program has made a positive impact on the lives of many employees and families within the Fire and Rescue Department. The Fire and Rescue Support Team program has been used as a model within the fire service community, both nationally and internationally.

Lieutenant Best also serves as a Rescue Squad Officer with Virginia Task Force One (VATF-1), as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He has deployed overseas as an expert in structural collapse and rescue techniques.

The Firefighter of the Year Award is the Department’s highest award, established in 1985 to provide special recognition for outstanding service and dedication in keeping with the highest traditions of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Lieutenant William M. Best, Jr., resides in Manassas, Virginia, with his wife Lianne, daughter Amanda, and son Nicholas.

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.