UPDATE
Fire and rescue officials released information about the passing of longtime OWL VFD Chief Richard “Ricky” Arrington. More from a press release:
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that The Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing Past Chief and Life Member Richard (Ricky) Arrington.
Richard L. Arrington, 55, of Dumfries, VA passed away on August 28, 2012 at Washington Hospital Center after a brief illness. “Chief Rick” as he was affectionately known as, dedicated his life to the OWL Volunteer Fire Department, joining in 1973 until present. He was a past Fire Chief for nearly two decades. He was also a statistician for Gar-Field High School football teams for many years.
Chief Rick is survived by his mother, Marguerite Arrington; his sister, Rita Adkins and husband Gary; and his brother, Robert Arrington, Jr. and wife Rita. He is also survived by his nephew, Robert Arrington III; his niece, Amy Kelly and husband Mike, and Katelyn Adkins; his special family friend, Lucie Sellers; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Arrington.
Arrangements for Chief Arrington’s funeral are as follows:
Viewing:
Friday, September 7, 2012 5 pm 9 pm
First Baptist Church of Woodbridge
13600 Minnieville Road
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Funeral Service:
Saturday, September 8, 2012 10 am
First Baptist Church of Woodbridge
13600 Minnieville Road
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Interment (immediately following the funeral service)
Fairfax Memorial Park
9900 Braddock Road
Fairfax, VA 22032
Flowers may be sent in care of:
Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home
4143 Dale Boulevard
Dale City, VA 22193
ORIGINAL POST 7:25 a.m.Â
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The former chief and decorated member of the OWL Volunteer Fire Department has died.
Chief Richard “Ricky” Arrington passed away early Wednesday after years of battling complications with his health. Funeral arrangements for Arrington have yet to been announced. Chief Jim McAllister now leads OWL VFD after Arrington stepped down as chief at least three years ago.
Arrington was a decorated member of the department and was awarded firefighter of the year in 1979.
OWL VFD is one of the largest volunteer fire departments in the nation with stations in Woodbridge and Lake Ridge.
Recent Stories
Burnside Farms is gearing up for its 2025 Summer of Sunflowers, opening Friday, July 11.Â
Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and an electric scooter that occurred Tuesday night in the Sudley area of Manassas.
There was excitement in the air in Occoquan on Friday, July 11, 2025, as FOX 5 brought its popular “Zip Trip” morning show to the historic riverside town.
VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, known as the General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller Post, has been named Virginia’s National Community Service Post Award recipient for 2024–2025. This honor recognizes the post’s outstanding service to veterans and the broader community over the past year.Â
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
