January 29, 2018 marked 70 years since the Burke Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) was incorporated.
Burke VFD assumed responsibility for an area of 91 square miles and a population of about 9,000 residents on January 29, 1948.
Starting with only 26 calls in its first year, now the department includes medical response as well as fire, and the BVFRD responds to over a hundredfold more emergencies each year. The department is strong, growing, and just as dedicated to its community as the original founders, as echoed in a statement from Chief Tom Warnock:
“The people who live and work in Burke, Department members and the public we serve, are what makes Burke a special place. As we mark our 70th year, I’m proud that our Department continues to faithfully serve this community, be part of the community, and reflect our community. In cooperation with our career counterparts from Fairfax County, we look forward to carrying this tradition of service forward for many years to come.”
For a more in-depth look at our department’s long-standing history, visit our About Us page.
On behalf of the members of the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department: “It is an honor to be able to serve this Department during its historic 70th year of service to the Burke community. Our predecessors and fellow members have served with distinction through challenging times over the last 70 years and we look forward to continuing to serve.” — President Ian Dickinson