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

08/15/2006

2006 Career Firefighter of the Year Ceremony

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department selected Master Technician Willie F. Bailey as the 2006 Career Firefighter of the Year. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 11 a.m. at the Fairfax County Public Safety Center, 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia.

Master Technician Bailey, a 15-year veteran, is currently assigned to Woodlawn Fire and Rescue Station 24, B-Shift. In 1998, Master Technician Bailey initiated an adopt-a-family community toy drive for needy children and their families in the Woodlawn area of Fairfax County. The adopt-a-family program helped provide holiday gifts, books, coats, and Easter baskets to needy children and their families in Fairfax County.

The program provided each child at least one toy on Christmas morning. What began as a localized community outreach project has now evolved into a large scale event. It includes the partnership of the United States Marine Corps, “Toys for Tots” program, businesses, faith groups, and the public schools. In 2005, over 4,000 gifts were collected, including toys for children affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Master Technician Bailey also serves as a peer fitness counselor and is a founding member of Fire and Rescue Support Team (FiRST) program, assisting firefighters and their families during an emergency or crisis.

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.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Lieutenant Raul G. Castillo, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY 703-385-4419. 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.