$75K Donation Largest In McLean Fire Department's 103-Year-Old History

MCLEAN, VA — In remembrance of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patricia A. Henriques Charitable Foundation presented a $75,000 grant to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. The donation was the largest ever received by MVFD, which has been around for 103 years.

Bob Freda, an estate planning attorney and MVFD administrative volunteer, presented the check to MVFD President Patricia Moynihan, who said the department was grateful for the foundation's generous donation.

"This donation, the first of our multi-year efforts to raise $500,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine, will go a long way towards helping us reach our goal," she said, adding that the new fire engine is expected to arrive in 2027. “We will go from one to two fire engines to serve the people of McLean and greater McLean area. This added capability will allow us greater flexibility to respond to emergencies as the number of residents and businesses in the area continues to increase.”

Freda and his wife Tricia manage the foundation established by Henriques, who died in 202o.

“My admiration for McLean Volunteer Fire Department is well known, and it was always noted by my dear friend and colleague Pat,” said Freda. “For forty years, she lived by the Pentagon, and making this grant to assist the heroes of this department on the 23rd anniversary of the attack would thrill her. Personally, it’s very moving to me to be the bridge between her undying spirit and the spirit of this great department.”