Fairfax County Fire and Rescue recognized dozens of personnel at its Medal Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 3, honoring career milestones, promotions and exceptional service across the department.

The semi-annual ceremony's longest-tenured honoree was David M. Lauler, a code specialist IV, who was recognized for 45 years of service, according to the department's announcement. Vehicle coordinator Michael L. Frames received a 40-year service award. Captain Ji Y. Lee was honored for 35 years.

Eight members were recognized for 30 years of service, including retired Battalion Chief William Moreland, Battalion Chief David Schwarzmann, retired Battalion Chief Rodney S. Vaughan, Captain Scott Kraut, Captain Karl D. Roche, Master Technician Christopher L. Johnson, EMS Technician Edward C. Lofties and TROT Technician Peter Kehne.

The department named its 2026 "Of the Year" award winners:

  • Career Officer of the Year: Captain Michael J. Greulich
  • Career Firefighter of the Year: EMS Technician Terrance L. Ewell
  • Civilian Employee of the Year: Katrina M. Powell, financial specialist III
  • Volunteer of the Year: Volunteer EMT Sean M. Jolliff

Greulich also received a Certificate of Valor at the 48th Annual Valor Awards in April for his role in an April 2025 electric vehicle fire response, according to a separate department post.

Three new battalion chiefs were among those promoted: Ivan W. Holmes Jr., Laurie E. Peverill and Jordan C. Yost. Other promotions included six new lieutenants, three new captains and several civilian staff advancing to new roles.

Deputy Chief Bill C. Betz, Battalion Chief Robert C. Schoenberger and Master Technician Ryan P. McGill received Career Achievement awards. The department also handed out Meritorious Service awards to 18 members spanning ranks from battalion chief to firefighter.

Team Performance Awards went to the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team for 2024 and 2025, a USAR Full Scale Exercise team, a group recognized for responses to high-risk search warrants, and the team behind the department's Safety Incident Report System.

Supervisor Jimmy Bierman congratulated the honorees on X, and the department's official account also shared the announcement.