In the early 1990s, the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department began to take on a new vision.  The idea is that our station could provide EMS transport services to the community. What started as a conversation quickly grew into a movement, fueled by determination, teamwork, and the belief that Ashburn could rise to meet a greater need.

At the heart of this effort was Assistant Chief Dawn Kilpatrick, our first EMS Chief. Dawn’s leadership was steady and inspiring. She carried our voice to the County EMS Council, championing our acceptance at the county level. More than just an advocate, she was a teacher, ensuring that training reached our members at the station and prepared us for the responsibilities ahead. Her presence gave the program credibility, and her dedication gave it life.

Alongside Dawn stood Randy Breton, who partnered with then-Chief Melvin Byrne to secure the resources we needed. Together, they wrote the grant for our very first ambulance and completed the application for our EMS transport license. Their work behind the scenes ensured that our vision had the foundation it needed to become a reality.

The clinical strength of the program came from Robin Davis and Jim Burke, our first Advanced Life Support providers. They saw the potential for Ashburn to begin transport at the ALS level and guided us through the process of amending our license. With Dawn, they helped design and deliver the initial training that would prepare our membership for the challenges of advanced care.

And then, something remarkable happened: new members began to join. Drawn by the project’s energy and the promise of serving the community in a new way, they added their hands, hearts, and voices to the effort. What had started as the vision of a few became the mission of many.

The launch of EMS transport at Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue was not just the start of a program; it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our service. It was built on the leadership of Dawn Kilpatrick, the determination of Randy Breton and Melvin Byrne, the expertise of Robin Davis and Jim Burke, and the collective spirit of every member who stepped forward to help.

Today, we remember those early days not only as history but as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, leadership, and community come together.