Local / Fairfax / June 4, 2025

Fairfax Fire Crews Honored for Dramatic Rescue and Hurricane Response

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department members received promotions and awards in June 2025, including recognition for a house fire rescue and emergency work after Hurricane Helene.

By Tysons Times Staff

Editorial illustration of Northern Virginia community life with transit, schools and local businesses — A Tysons Times illustration represents community life across Tysons and Northern Virginia. Photo: Tysons Times / AI illustration

Coverage area: Fairfax
Section: Local
Published: June 4, 2025
Topics: local, fairfax, public safety, transportation

Article Text

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department members received promotions and awards in June 2025, including recognition for a house fire rescue and emergency work after Hurricane Helene.

Michael Long was promoted to Engineer IV in the civilian ranks.

Uniformed promotions went to Michael Skeele, who became a captain; Cory Kwitkin, who became a lieutenant; and Mario Board, who became a hazardous materials technician.

Several crews earned unit citations for their response to a February 2025 house fire in which a patient was rescued.

The recipients included Captain Philip Brown, Master Technician Peter Zagorites, Firefighter Miguel Ardon and Firefighter Luke Welty of Engine 428.

Also honored were Captain Charles Henderson Jr., serving as EMS 404; Lieutenant Ryan Dussia and firefighters Garrett Bush, Owen Black and Ben Tanner of Engine 418; Lieutenant Johnathan MacQuilliam, TROT technicians Ian Antons and Davin Bridges, and Technician Andrew Reedy of Rescue 418; Melissa Cary and Firefighter Thomas Connor of Medic 410; and TROT Technician Nathan Decker and Nicholas DeMaria of Medic 418.

Captain Easton Peterson and Technician Jimmy Daugherty also received the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Officials’ Outstanding Team Performance in a Critical Incident Award. The honor recognized their assistance in Buncombe County, North Carolina, during Hurricane Helene.

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