3 McLean Volunteer Firefighters Honored For Service To Community

MCLEAN, VA — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented awards at its regular meeting on Tuesday to three members of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, recognizing their outstanding service to MVFD, the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and the community.

The“operational officer of the year” award was presented to John Hootman, the former MVFD Chief and current chairman of the Board of Directors. Serving as MVFD’s chief for six years, he was praised for the countless hours he spent to provide strategic direction to the department.

“John’s steadfast leadership and guidance has put MVFD on a strong operational foundation going forward,” according to an MVFD release.

Bob Flores, MVFD’s long-time treasurer, was presented with the “administrative officer of the year” award, recognizing his decades of service to the department in that role

“ During his 47 years of service, he has been an energetic, skilled, and dedicated public servant, both on the operational and administrative sides of our department, but he was recognized for his 38-year tenure and dedicated efforts as our treasurer,” according to a release.

Thom Shanke, MVPD’s public information officer, received the “administrative member of the year,” for his efforts in transforming the fire department’s community outreach.

“MVFD has an active and well-followed social media presence and is in the local press regularly thanks to Thom’s excellent work,” according to a release.