Vienna Connection. June 11, 2003

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Firefighters acknowledge a century of service.
By Joanna Franco

In 1903, Vienna consisted of dirt roads and patches of farmland. One hundred years later, the town struggles to maintain a small-town identity in the midst of traffic congestion and development. Throughout its century of existence, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department has continued to fight fires and rescue people in need.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 31 at the Hyatt Fair Lakes in Fairfax. Current firefighters, longtime members, Ladies' Auxiliary members, area citizens and local officials attended the event, with U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison giving the keynote address.

"It's really quite amazing when you think back 100 years," said Vienna fire chief Donald L. Burns.

Paulison spoke of the potential challenges firefighters face in today's world. To combat threats and bioterrorism, Paulison called for a nationwide command system as well as a standardized credential system, more cooperation between fire departments and police and public health departments, and identification and practice of worst-case scenarios.

"You do whatever it takes because you are sworn to protect those communities," Paulison said. "You're going to be the ones on the ground doing this job ... so you've got to make sure you're ready and you're trained."

Dozens of local firefighters, Vienna citizens and local officials gathered at the Hyatt Fair Lakes to celebrate the department's anniversary.
photo by Joanna Franco

Honored Members.

During the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on May 31, several members of the department and the Auxiliary were recognized for their contributions over the years. 

Those awarded with 10-Year Service Awards were Gilman C. Aldridge, Martha Armstong, Carol Blevins, Boots Curry, Joan Dempsey, Joseph H. Duffield and Marie Hart; the 15-Year Service awardee was Marshall Potter; the 20-Year Service awardees were Rita Slaughter and Rose Schardt; the 30-Year Service awardee was Mildred Bispo; the 50-Year Service awardee was Charles Singleton.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department also recognized
Anthony Stancampiano as EMS Provider of the Year; John Morrison as Firefighter of the Year and Volunteer of the Year; and Walter "Scotty" Allensworth with the Freeman Award, which recognizes a life member who had made a significant contribution during the year.