Park On Home Explosion Site Honoring Fallen Firefighter Prepares To Open

STERLING, VA — The site of the home explosion has been turned into a community park for reflection and remembrance of fallen volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown.

The site at 347 Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling is where a home exploded on Feb. 16, 2024. Brown, a volunteer firefighter with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, died in the explosion, while injuring 10 firefighters and three others. Brown is survived by wife, Laura, and three children.

The community around the Seneca Ridge neighborhood spearheaded a park at the site to honor Brown and other firefighters impacted by the home explosion. FF Trevor Brown Memorial Park is set to open to the public at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, which marks the fallen firefighter's birthday.

The opening event will include a color guard presentation and national anthem, remarks from local leaders, family, and friends, ribbon cutting, fire trucks hoisting American flags, music and a celebratory birthday cake honoring Brown.

The public is invited to attend as the park is dedicated to first responders affected by the home explosion. The park will be open daily from dawn to dusk.

"The support from neighbors, businesses, and volunteers have made this park possible, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with all of you," park organizers shared on social media.

As WTOP reported, a trial against Roger Bentley, who formerly worked for Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service has wrapped up. 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.

On Monday, 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.

Sentencing for Bentley is scheduled for Nov. 6.

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. Jury deliberations are happening in Loudoun County court, according to WTOP.

Brown's wife, other firefighters injured in the home explosion and neighboring homeowners are pursuing a negligence lawsuit seeking millions in damages, Loudoun Now reported. That case is filed in Richmond Circuit Court.

SEE ALSO:

• Home Explosion Aftermath: Challenges With Home Explosion Emergency Response Identified
• Fallen Firefighter Trevor Brown's Family Aided With Mortgage-Free Home
• Loudoun Fire Chief, Explosion Response Honored With Awards From Governor

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