Lucketts VFC Support Services Unit Receives Unit Citation Award
We are proud to announce that the Lucketts Volunteer Fire Company (LVFC) Support Services Unit has been recognized with a Unit Citation Award from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) for its outstanding service during the extended missing-person search conducted August 23–30, 2026.
During our October 14, 2026, membership meeting, Assistant Chief Travis Preau, who leads the LC-CFRS Support Services Bureau, joined LVFC members to formally present the award and recognize the contributions of our volunteers.
Eight Days of Critical Support
From August 23–30, 2026, LVFC Support Services personnel participated in a large-scale, multi-agency search for a missing 81-year-old woman in the Purcellville area.
Throughout the eight-day operation, nine LVFC volunteers provided critical support across five operational periods, working alongside law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and other responding agencies.
Operating under challenging conditions, including extreme summer heat, our volunteers provided a wide range of essential services:
Responder Rehabilitation: Hydration, nutrition, rest, and recovery support for personnel operating in demanding conditions.
Incident Command Support: Command-post infrastructure, logistical coordination, and incident support.
Transportation and Resupply: Movement of personnel, equipment, and essential supplies.
Scene Support: Lighting, specialized mobility resources, and operational sustainment.
LVFC deployed multiple Support Services resources throughout the incident, including its Rehabilitation Support Unit (REHABSU610), Incident Support Unit (ISU610), and EMS UTV (EMSUTV610).
These capabilities helped sustain operations and allowed responding personnel to remain focused on their assigned missions.
Recognizing Our Volunteers
The Unit Citation Award recognizes a functional unit that demonstrates superior performance during an emergency incident, displaying outstanding execution of duties that distinguishes it from other units performing similar functions.
Ten LVFC volunteers were recognized for their contributions:
Andrew Burke, Stephen Budiansky, William Butler, James Csizmadia, Michael Donatelli, Nicholas Kron, Erin McClure, Ronald Nicholas, Ryan Schelske, and George VanTassel.
While the outcome of the search was not what anyone had hoped for, the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by these volunteers exemplify the commitment of LVFC members to serving our community and supporting our fellow first responders.
The Importance of Support Services
The LVFC Support Services Unit plays an important role in emergency response throughout Loudoun County.
From providing firefighter rehabilitation at structure fires to supporting extended search-and-rescue operations, major incidents, and other emergencies, our volunteers deliver essential logistical and operational capabilities that help keep responders safe and effective.
This recognition highlights the value of volunteer Support Services personnel and their contributions to the broader Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.
We sincerely thank Assistant Chief Travis Preau and LC-CFRS leadership for recognizing our members and their service.
Most importantly, we congratulate our ten volunteers on this well-deserved recognition.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1960.
