Firefighter Killed In Gas Explosion May Have Post Office Named For Him

ASHBURN, VA — A bill to rename a post office in Sterling after fallen Firefighter Trevor Brown passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a unanimous vote Tuesday.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia’s 10th district. It honors Brown, a volunteer firefighter with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company who was killed in the line of duty.

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Brown, 45, died in a February 2024 explosion in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive. Brown and his company were investigating a residential gas leak when a spark ignited the fumes. The explosion injured 11 other firefighters and two residents.

Kelley Woods, the homeowner who lost her home in the explosion, survived, along with two of her dogs but “lost everything” in the blast.

As WTOP reported, a trial against Roger Bentley, who formerly worked for Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service wrapped up in July 2025. Bentley was charged with involuntary manslaughter and three fire code-related charges tied to the home explosion originating in a 500-gallon underground propane tank.

A jury found Bentley guilty of one count of felony involuntary manslaughter, one count of misdemeanor unlawful release of hazardous materials, one count of misdemeanor failure to maintain required records of hazardous materials release, and one count of misdemeanor failure to control or mitigate unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.

According to prosecutors, Bentley responded to the home on Feb. 16, 2024, and indicated the issue wasn't an emergency and didn't require a fire department response despite the smell of propane. However, the defense for Bentley said he didn't know there was a leak, but the homeowner did.

Laura Brown, Trevor’s widow, and seven other injured parties filed suit in May 2025 against the Southern States company and two employees, Loudoun Now reported.

Speaking on the House floor ahead of the bill’s passage, Subramanyam said, “Firefighter Brown was beloved in our community and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a husband and father of three who coached youth soccer and baseball. And whether it was teaching kids about teamwork or volunteering for late night shifts at the fire house, Firefighter Brown always found a way to give back to the community. It is my hope that renaming this Post Office to honor Firefighter Brown will keep his memory alive, inspire others, and remind us of his incredible courage, honor, and sacrifice.”

The bill would rename the post office on Westlake Drive in Sterling. The site of the explosion has also been turned into a community park bearing Brown’s name.