McLean Volunteer Fire Department

05/26/2026

Masala Indian Cuisine donated a meal to our staff this afternoon! A plethora of food arrived, including Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, and naan. Smiles all around! Thanks to McLean VFD Volunteer Lori Davis for organizing the feast. MVFD is grateful to the generosity of everyone in our community. If you want to support our mission, you can find us at: https://mcleanvfd.org/support-us/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, McLean VFD was honored to help remember, with gratitude, all those who wore the cloth of our nation, fought to defend our shared values, and paid the ultimate price. For our local Memorial Day ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 270, the wreath was presented by Mark Allen of McLean VFD and PFC Lee Taehun of Fairfax County Police. Following the ceremony inside McLean High School, the wreath was moved to the nearby Veterans Memorial Grove and honored by (l-r) McLean VFD President Patricia Moynihan, and volunteers Mac Reed and Mark Allen; Department of Virginia Vice Commander George Navas; Post 270 CDR Len Wales; and McLean VFD volunteer Mike Paris.

05/23/2026

As EMS Week comes to a close, the members of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department would like to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our EMS providers who serve the McLean community alongside our partners at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

MVFD is proud to have more than 40 certified EMTs and 12 Paramedics serving as volunteers — men and women who answer the call at all hours of the day and night while balancing careers, school, and family life.

Our EMS providers are trained to handle everything from routine medical calls to life-threatening emergencies including cardiac arrests, overdoses, traumatic injuries, strokes, respiratory emergencies, and critical pediatric patients. Their training includes hundreds to thousands of hours of classroom education, hands-on skills training, clinical rotations, continuing education, and recurring certifications to maintain the highest standards of patient care.

What makes this even more impressive is that these providers do it entirely as volunteers. They dedicate countless hours to training and operational readiness — all to serve their community without expecting anything in return.

During EMS Week, and every week, we thank our EMTs and Paramedics for their unwavering commitment to the citizens and visitors of McLean and Fairfax County. Your compassion, professionalism, and service do not go unnoticed.

Gus Sawatzki, Chief of Department
McLean Volunteer Fire Department (FS401-V)

05/22/2026

A message from McLean VFD Chief Gus Sawatzki:

Last night at 12:48 AM, Engine 402 Bravo and Ambulance 401 Echo — staffed by volunteers from the McLean Volunteer Fire Department and Vienna Volunteer Fire Department — along with Engine 401, Medic 401, and Tower 401, were dispatched to a first-due working structure fire with a trapped occupant off Turkey Run Road.

Due to the limited hydrant access in the area, crews established a complex relay water supply operation. Engine 402 Bravo laid approximately 1,200 feet of large-diameter hose and completed a nursing operation to Engine 401 to maintain water supply during fire attack operations.

Given the size and complexity of the incident, a Second Alarm was requested with additional support from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Arlington County Fire Department.

Crews conducted an interior fire attack and safely rescued a dog from the home. Ambulance 401 Echo transported one resident to a local hospital for evaluation.

05/19/2026

A delicious donation from Parsa Bakery on Chain Bridge Road in McLean – a box of mouth-watering Persian sweets for the firefighters and emergency medical personnel working B Shift at the McLean firehouse. MVFD is grateful to the generosity of everyone in our community. If you want to support our mission, you can find us at: https://mcleanvfd.org/support-us/

05/16/2026

A splendid time was had by all as MVFD supported McLean Day, sponsored by McLean Community Center, in Lewinsville Park. We always enjoy interacting with our community, and spending time with local leaders, including Dranesville District - Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. See you next year!

05/16/2026

McLean Day, Day 1: Meet Blue, who stopped by MVFD’s First Aid Tent in Lewinsville Park with his owner on Friday. We are back on Saturday, so stop by and say hello to your volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel!

05/14/2026

Questions we often get asked include, What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic? And, Why does a fire engine often show up on an emergency medical call? McLean VFD Chief Gus Sawatzki, a Firefighter-Paramedic, explains how we provide the best possible emergency medical services to our community.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q9ePa8FXKTs

Questions we often get asked include, What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic? And, Why does a fire engine often show up on an emergency medica...

05/13/2026

McLean’s Volunteer and Career personnel joined Tuesday for in-station training on Palliative Care, led by Technician Firefighter/Paramedic Howard Capon. Palliative Care is more than responding to terminal patients. It involves an understanding of the system and the protocols and, above all, compassion for the patient and their wishes. Thanks to MVFD Firefighter/Paramedic Laura Calkins, who also serves as our Training Officer, for organizing this important session.

05/03/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

In recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day, flags across the nation are flown at half-staff as a symbol of remembrance and respect.

The McLean Volunteer Fire Department stands in solemn gratitude alongside departments across the country, remembering our fallen heroes and supporting the families who carry their legacy forward.

We will never forget their courage, their service, and their sacrifice. 🚒🇺🇸