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

2/13/2006

High School Student to Receive Lifesaving Award

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will recognize John Alderson, Friday, February 17, 2006, at 11:30 a.m., at West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, for lifesaving actions during an emergency incident.

On Saturday, September 3, 2005, at approximately 11:50 a.m., John Alderson,14, and his mother were on their way home when they noticed Captain Larry Jenkins, an off-duty Fairfax County firefighter, and other on-duty fire department personnel standing outside their home requesting the use of their boat for rescue operations for a person needing help in the Potomac River. Immediately, John lowered the boat from the boat rack onto the water and assisted Captain Jenkins and other personnel with the water rescue.

Alderson expertly navigated the boat and assisted the firefighters with the water rescue. Two people were rescued from the water. One person survived and was taken to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital for observation and later released. Tragically, the second person drowned.

For his quick actions and selfless service, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will present John Alderson with a Lifesaving Award.

Note: John Alderson and parents will participate in the ceremony.

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.