Heroes And Givers: McLean People Worth Remembering In 2017

MCLEAN, VA—2017 is coming to a close, and there's been no shortage of people that made the news for all the right reasons in McLean.

Between heroic firefighters to people that did the little things to brighten someone's day, there were many people worth recognizing. (Want more stories like this in 2018? Subscribe to Patch's free daily newsletter and news alerts and follow the McLean Patch Facebook page.)

Here's a look at some of the best people stories around McLean in 2017:

1. Vigil Held For McLean Man Killed By U.S. Park Police

Friends and family are remembering Bijan Ghaisar of McLean, who was shot by U.S. Park Police during a November pursuit. His father James Ghaisar told mourners that his son had a big heart and left the world a better place for everyone. Bijan was a Langley High School graduate that worked at the family accounting firm in McLean. The family is waiting for answers on why police shot him.

2. McLean First Responders Reunite With Girl They Saved

During EMS Week, McLean first responders had a meaningful way to celebrate by meeting with Delaney Saslav, a girl they saved five years ago. Saslav, then three years old, fell into a pool, and her heart and breathing stopped. Firefighters and paramedics arrived on the scene and brought her back.

3. Heroic Elevator Rescue Made In Tysons

First responders made a heroic and daring rescue after a resident got stuck in an Tysons elevator near the 11th floor in December. And it all happened without anyone getting hurt.

4. McLean Family Steps Up For Grieving Gold Star Widow And Kids

Gold Star widow Rodeeka Jordan made a plea for help after feeling unable to prepare for the holidays in light of losing her husband. That's where McLean's Kristina Collins and her children came in, showing up to Jordan's home bearing gifts and decorations.

5. McLean Boys Raise Awareness About Young Caregivers

Caregiving has become a job in high demand with retiring Baby Boomers. But Charlie and A.J. Poole of McLean took care of their late grandmother with Alzheimer's, and now they're raising awareness about kids like them bearing caregiving responsibilities at home.

6. McLean Figure Skater To Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Three-time U.S. champion and McLean resident Michael Weiss will be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame Jan. 5 at the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Weiss, 41, is a two-time Olympian (1998 and 2002) and has won the men's titles at the U.S. Championship in 1999, 2000 and 2003.

7. Hikers Rescued After Fall From Cliff In McLean

Fairfax County Police rescued two men that fell from a cliff near the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean. The hikers were not seriously injured and were able to call 911 and were located about an hour afterward.

8. McLean Man Wins Jeopardy, Returns To Play

Pat McNamee, an accountant from McLean, competed and won Jeopardy on June 23 and returned as the defending champion.

9. 12 McLean Runners Finish Boston Marathon

In April, thousands of runners completed the Boston Marathon, the nation's largest running event, and 12 are from McLean.

10. McLean, Langley Students Among Final National Merit Scholars

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced 900 final college-sponsored scholarship winners in July. Of those, two go to high schools in McLean, and another is a McLean resident.

Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue