At the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) annual conference in Richmond on February 11, 2017, four members of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department were recognized with VASSAR Public Safety Awards.
Technician II Shawn Bliss received the VASSAR Heroism Award.
On June 6, 2015 Technician Bliss, while off duty, entered the rain swollen Shenandoah River in order to assess occupants of an overturned canoe for injuries. One of the occupants was a young boy who wanted to cross back to the other side with Shawn Bliss. Shawn was hanging onto the shoulder strap of the boy's life jacket while walking behind him. The boy lost his footing and slipped into the water. Both were swept into the river and drawn into the rapids.
Shawn maintained his hold and both of them made it through the rapids safely. The boy's mother stated "there was a minute that as a mother, I thought I would not go home with my son; that was the worst feeling of my life". As a result of his actions that day, Technician Bliss was awarded the Prince William County Valor Award.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Recent Stories
Brew Republic Bierwerks, a longtime fixture in the Stonebridge Town Center, will permanently close its doors after nearly nine years in business.
Warm, humid weather will give way to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon as a weak cold front drifts through the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Heads up! VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift lane closures on interstates and other major roads starting at noon Thursday, July 3, through noon Monday, July 7. But here’s what’s happening before and after the break:
The Virginia State Police issued a Senior Alert Friday night for a missing 78-year-old man last seen in Stafford County.
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
