Prince William County firefighter Kyle Wilson dedicated his life to community service by becoming a Prince William County firefighter when he was just 23 years old.
It was a commitment that ended his life a year later as he searched a smoke and flames for the residents of a burning home in Woodbridge.
Wilson became the first Prince William County career firefighter to die in the line of duty. But his pledge to the community did not die.
His friends, family and the entire community are carrying on his passions for community service and education this weekend through the Kyle Wilson Softball Tournament and Kyle Wilson Endowed Scholarship in honor of the George Mason University alumnus.
The fifth annual softball tournament, Sept. 5 and 6, 2015, will be held at Valley View Sports Complex 11930 Valley View Drive in Nokesville. The park has five softball fields and aims to field 30 teams.
“If you want an old-fashioned Labor Day full of food, fun, and Adult Softball, drive over to Nokesville,” said Cherish Green, tournament coordinator.
Green there will also be plenty of raffles going on throughout the day from products donated from the business community. Green, whose husband is also a Prince William County firefighter, said the annual event has grown every year, as the community gathers to honor a home-grown hero.
“This has been a 5-year labor of love by Kyle’s friends, family, and members of the community to show our love and appreciation for this selfless young man,” said Green.
The tournament is one of three annual events that funds the Kyle Wilson Endowed Scholarship in George Mason University’s School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. The scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student who exhibits Wilson’s leadership, values, academic achievement, and passion for physical fitness and who has been admitted to the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education program.
Wilson graduated from George Mason University in 2005 with a BS in Athletic Training. Wilson died in 2006 when conditions suddenly worsened as he conducted a room-to-room search of a Woodbridge home.
All seven residents of the burning home escaped unharmed.
To donate to the scholarship, please make a tax deductible donation online at supportingmason.gmu.edu (write in “Kyle Wilson Scholarship” under “Other Established Fund”) or send your gift to: Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship George Mason University Foundation 4400 University Drive, MS 1A3 Fairfax, Va. 22030
