The JEMS Clinical Competition always is a special event, but this year’s simulation challenge has extra meaning.
This year’s competition is being held in honor of fallen Sterling (VA) Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter Trevor Brown, who was killed in the line-of-duty during a catastrophic February 2024 home explosion that saw multiple maydays from firefighters inside the residence.
The Call
According to the United States Fire Administration, Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting an odor of gas outside a home.
Units from Sterling located an underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the home and requested a Hazardous Materials Response Team, as well as additional units.
Shortly after, responding units reported a catastrophic explosion with multiple maydays from firefighters inside the home.
A Rapid Intervention Task Force and a second alarm were requested, along with additional units from Fairfax County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.
Fire and rescue crews worked to locate and rescue the trapped members from the debris. Tragically, Firefighter Brown died from the injuries he sustained in the explosion.
Watch his memorial service in the YouTube video.
About Firefighter Brown
Here is a little history about Firefighter Brown, courtesy of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company:
Firefighter Trevor Brown was born in Landstuhl, German. He later moved to Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania and Palm Bay, Florida before settling in Northern, Viriginia in 2006.
Trevor joined the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company in May of 2016 where he was assigned to Duty Crew 4. He quickly completed his firefighter and EMT training and became a critical part of his crew. He was routinely assigned to both the engine company and the truck company. As part of his recruit training, Firefighter Brown wrote in one of his journals as to why he joined the fire service.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved with emergency services, to challenge myself and learn new things. I see volunteering as a good way to give back to my community and help others. I know that I am mentally and physically capable to do this job, and I hope to have a positive impact on at least one person’s life.”
Firefighter Brown went on leave in 2019 due to a family move but returned in 2023. He was assigned to the Friday night crew and quickly re-integrated into both the Company and the crew. Firefighter Brown was known for possessing both outstanding firefighting skills and having a great personality.
Trevor was a stay-at-home dad that enjoyed the outdoors, surfing and had a dislike for wearing shoes. He is survived by his wife of 17 years and 3 children.
