Post Recent Events - 2023

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9835 2022 Firefighter of the Year Award is presented to Firefighter Joseph B. Saffer of the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company. Although he had spent decades being successful in other fields including experience in fire protection services, Joe felt something was missing from his resume. Joining the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company in his 40’s, he completed certification and internship as an EMT. He then undertook similar certification and internship to become a certified firefighter. More importantly, his broad experience in business has allowed the Department to tap his knowledge by placing him as the Member at Large for the Board of Directors. He is often found after hours at the station assisting with staffing and working in the areas of public education and community services. He took charge of overseeing and dealing with Moffett Manor – a large 55+ apartment complex owned by the Department and developed an operational strategy for the property that will reduce the load on taxpayers. The Warrenton Fire Company has been serving the community for nearly a century and people like Joe have worked to make it successful. His service and dedication sets a standard for others to follow and reflects great credit upon himself and the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9835 2022 EMT of the Year Award is presented to Technician II Scott Chamberlin of the Fauquier County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management. With a broad knowledge base and experience gained from decades of overseeing operations at Washington Dulles & Ronald Reagan Airports, Scott has chosen, in retirement, to give back to his community as a paramedic. Assigned to the busiest medical unit in Fauquier County, he routinely affects and helps citizens daily. He serves as a trainer for others where his knowledge and experience works towards the betterment of all. Despite numerous requests to move up to a leadership role, Scott has steadfastly maintained his commitment to serving the community from an ambulance or fire engine in the field. His service and dedication to his profession sets a standard for others to follow and reflects great credit upon himself and First Responders everywhere. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9835 2022 Warrenton Police Department Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award is presented to Officer Meribeth Howser. On July 23, 2022, units from the State Police, Sheriff’s, Fire & Rescue and Warrenton Police Departments responded to a situation at the Warrenton Greenway Overpass above Route 29. The situation involved a distraught woman sitting on the bridge and threatening to jump. While other units shut down traffic northbound and southbound on Rte 29, the Warrenton Police Department, including Officer Howser, learning that the woman had attempted to harm herself the day before, initiated a dialog with her. Officer Howser made an immediate connection with the woman by recalling specific details of their past interactions. After nearly 20 minutes of intense conversation, Officer Howser persuaded the woman to come down and receive the medical attention she needed. The following day, Officer Howser and a fellow officer visited the woman at the hospital where she had been admitted. She told the woman that her entire squad was contacting every resource they could to get her the help she needed upon release. Officer Howser personally reached out to the woman’s family asking them to become involved in her recovery. Several weeks later, the woman posted a video on social media recalling Officer Howser’s compassion and thanked her for saving her life. Officer Howser’s performance in a situation that could have resulted in unfortunate consequences is a tribute to her skills, knowledge and compassion and reflects the highest credit upon herself, the Warrenton Police Department and Law Enforcement Professionals everywhere. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9835 2022 Fauquier County Sheriff’s Department Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award is presented to Master Deputy Sheriff (MDS) Frank Haldeman. He is a team leader at the County Circuit Court and is also a field training officer helping deputies in all divisions when they need additional training or resources. A prime example of what a good citizen should be, MDS Haldeman assists with the Working Together Committee to collect items for the local food banks. He has personally purchased gift cards to use as special awards to key donors. Over the past two years, Frank, through his committee leadership, has been responsible for the collection of over 3,500 items including holiday turkeys when Food Bank supplies fell short. MDS Haldeman has been and continues to be a mentor, model employee and an integral part of the Civil Process Security Team. His actions and service reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office and Law Enforcement professionals everywhere. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9835 Dispatcher Public Servant Citation for 2022 is presented to Assistant Supervisor Heather Hertrich of the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. After starting six years ago as a trainee, she’s risen to the rank of assistant shift supervisor, training new hires. She has taken many high priority calls including structure fires and homicides. In 2022 she was involved with handling a bank robbery. A GPS tracking device had been given to the robbers along with the cash and she maintained constant contact with the GPS provider to obtain real-time updates on the location of the device and feed this data to the responders. Her calm demeanor and knowledge of the County and surrounding areas permitted them to quickly locate the vehicle involved in the robbery. Heather’s positive attitude and willingness to help anyone with anything asked of her has made her a valuable asset to the Department and reflects great credit upon herself, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Department, and dispatchers everywhere. 

Thanks to all that participated!

Great night - enjoyed by all!

Thanks to past Post Commander Tim Nosal for once again providing a piece of history.