Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Welcomes Community at Open House

Hundreds of area residents learned about fire safety, emergency medical services and met their local first responders on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, when the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (FOVFR) held its annual Open House.

The free event, held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, featured the theme “Charge into Fire Safety” and attendees learned the importance of buying, charging and recycling safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. The fire department also had apparatus displays and tours, safety drills, firefighters demonstrations and challenges, as well as children’s activities: face painting, balloon animals and coloring. The department also hosted displays by the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC), Fairfax County’s 911 call center.

During the event, FOVFR paused activities to dedicate three new benches for the station, an Eagle Project by Jagruthi Narra for Troop 7, one of FOVFR’s chartered scouting units. The benches were dedicated to:

• Former Chief and President, Jonathan Wood, a 50-year volunteer with Fairfax County, who served as president, chief, academy instructor, mentor – and most importantly, friend. Jonathan passed away last August 2024.
• Bruce Rager, who marked his 40th year of service with Fair Oaks this year (and previously served in his hometown in Western Pennsylvania). Bruce is not only a EMT and driver, but also trains new drivers in the department. He currently is the station quartermaster.
  
• All Fairfax County emergency personnel who have lost their lives fighting for the wellbeing of our community.

For their efforts, Fair Oaks earned the “Best Open House” designation for Battalion 7, an achievement attained three years running.

“Our Open House is one of the most important community events of the year,” said FOVFR Chief Jack May. “It’s a great opportunity for our neighbors to step inside the station, meet our members, and learn how they can get involved — whether by volunteering or simply supporting their local fire department.”