Nonprofit of the Year: Ashburn Fire and Rescue

Going up against major nonprofit organizations, members of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department were in for a big surprise Nov. 4 at Lansdowne Resort, when the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce named the department the Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

"Loudoun County is the second largest Chamber in Virginia, so this is a great honor," Barbara Murphy of AVFRD said, noting the significance of the award.

Surrounded by some 600 Chamber members, AVFRD firefighters present at the awards gala let out hoots and hollers when they heard the news.

AVFRD Chief Dan Cohn and President Carl Cowan accepted the award. Chamber President Tony Howard, who presented the award, said Chief Cohn was choked up during his acceptance speech.

"We were all shocked. The competition was steep," Murphy said.

In September, members of the chamber were called upon to nominate nonprofit organizations for the award. Out of 20 nominees, the Ashburn volunteers received word in mid-October that they were among the four finalists. At that point, they were asked to prepare a package that would explain why they were deserving of the award.

"In submitting our packet, we focused on the business of running a volunteer fire department: the budget, recruitment, challenge of fundraising and the day-to-day administration," Murphy said.

That's exactly what the chamber was looking for. Not only do these types of organizations have a mission to fulfill, there are still day-to-day business operations that need to be managed.

"It's a testament to the fine work that the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department is doing. Whether the organization's mission is to put out fires, feed the hungry or help adults learn to read, it is all incidental to the criteria that they are being judged on," Howard explained.

This is the second year that the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has awarded a nonprofit organization. 

"There are many nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County that do great things for our community; their roles are vital and we want to recognize that," said Howard.

But the award doesn't stop the need for the work the station performs. 

"It's great to be recognized, but our work has to continue," said Murphy.

The AVFRD plans to ramp up its recruitment and training for its volunteers. With the help of their Chamber membership they will continue reaching out to businesses to build partnerships in the community. 

"Calls are increasing, so we have to help people understand who we are and what we do," Murphy said.