FCFRD News Blog : Members Of Recruit School 146 Receive Class Achievement Awards Delayed By Pandemic

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

September 7, 2021

By: Battalion Chief Matt Lopez Basic and Volunteer Training Section Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

Members of Recruit Class 146 graduated in the Spring of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their graduation ceremony was necessarily abbreviated and did not include the usual awards that honor the commitment, dedication and teamwork displayed during recruit school.

Recently, the awards were presented to the following firefighters in front of their companies and members of A-Shift during a joint continuing educational training session. Assistant Chief Arnold was on hand to witness the ceremony representing Fire Chief Butler. Battalion Chief Lopez and Lieutenant Garvin, Basic Training, presented the awards.

The following members of Recruit School 146 were honored:

Firefighter William Allen (Station 19, Lorton, A-Shift) – Firefighter Horace ‘Teddy’ Pendergrass Award of Excellence: given to the recruit who through selfless dedication, commitment to unit and teamwork, and tireless work ethic, served as an example for the rest of the class.  This student gave 110% of themselves in every aspect of the training. Selected by the Basic Training Staff for their exceptional attitude, work ethic, and drive to help others.”

Firefighter Amina Abdelatey (Station 11, Penn Daw, A-Shift) – Valedictorian

Firefighter Joseph Galindo (Station 25, Reston, A-Shift) – “Peer Leadership Award: given to the recruit who was chosen by their peers as the most outstanding student. They offered encouragement, inspiration, motivation, and spent countless hours helping fellow recruits both on and off the job. Selected by their peers as the most outstanding recruit.”

Congratulations all!

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.