Loudoun County High Threat Team Receive Governor's Award For Excellence In Fire Services

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County High Threat Team received the governor's excellence in Virginia fire services award this week. The High Threat Team is an initiative of the sheriff's office and the department of fire and rescue.

The Governor's Fire Services Awards began in 2002 and recognizes the work of fire departments around the state. Officials announced this year's awards at the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach on Wednesday.

"I am pleased to recognize these outstanding fire service professionals," Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a news release. "I’m so grateful to Virginia’s fire service personnel for risking their lives every day to protect us. I’m proud to honor and thank Virginia’s first responders and support staff for their dedication to the Commonwealth."

In a news release announcing the award, the governor's office spotlighted the High Threat Team's active shooter simulation. In the training exercise, police and fire personnel work together to deploy into a dangerous situation to provide first aid and evacuate people in need.

The news release notes that the training exercises create a working relationship between police and fire personnel, which could increase their effectiveness in a real situation. "It provides an example of fire and law enforcement cooperation, not just for the active shooter incident, but for all incidents handled together," the governor's office said in a news release.

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