Doug Monaco - Serve Virginia

Doug Monaco

RICKETTSFRAN10131--C-CAP Director Fran Ricketts 10/24/2013 MATT ARMSTRONG PHOTO

Doug Monaco

May 3, 2023

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has named Doug Monaco of Prince William County as Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year. Monaco is one of several recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Fire Service Awards, who were recognized at an awards ceremony last month.

Chief Monaco, with the Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, has dedicated the past 48 years of his life to Virginia volunteer and professional fire and rescue services. This includes service both in volunteer companies and a 32-year career as a paid member of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue system where he retired at the rank of Captain. In 2010, Chief Monaco saw the need and founded the Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Large Animal Rescue Team which has been extremely successful and responds around the state. Although Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company may be small, Chief Monaco has created an environment for his volunteer company to thrive with in astounding 88 current members and a 100 percent response rate for the last nine years. During his tenure as chief he has fostered a culture that encourages engagement and training for his members.

Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards honor excellence in Virginia’s Fire Service and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, in partnership with the Virginia Fire Services Board.

“Each year, we are honored to recognize Virginia’s dedicated fire professionals who go beyond the call of duty to protect their fellow Virginians and communities in times of great danger,” said Governor Northam. “This year’s award recipients have displayed remarkable tenacity and valor while navigating unprecedented challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful to these brave men and women for their faithful service and sacrifice. ”

Read more about these awards.

Gina De Naples

Story of Service: Gina De Naples

Gina De Naples, an AmeriCorps member serving with Virginia State Parks in York River State Park, has never allowed being hearing impaired to make a difference in how she has approached life and her commitment to service! Gina, a native of Greensboro, NC, served this year on the Virginia State Parks AmeriCorps Interpretive Trail Project. She received support of interpreters through the combined efforts of the Virginia State Parks (which operates within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation), the Office of Volunteerism and Consumer Services (which operate within the Virginia Department of Social Services), and the Virginia Division for...

American Red Cross in the Virginia Region

Story of Service: American Red Cross in the Virginia Region

As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, the American Red Cross in the Virginia Region serves 118 independent cities and counties in Virginia, with a combined population of 5.8 million people, fulfilling the mission of the American Red Cross to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and volunteer engagement strategies ensure that these volunteers are able to serve in the capacity they desire and feel supported. All volunteers have a supervisor who provides meaningful...

Jason Zheng

Story of Service: Jason Zheng

Jason Zheng believes that, simply put, volunteerism has the power to “give back to others, uplift our communities, and ensure that no one has to rise alone.” Seeing his family members model how selfless acts of service can lead to a community-wide impact, Jason has always found ways to get involved and meet critical community needs through volunteerism. This lifelong commitment to serving others has led him to help children in need, support military families, and assist with hunger relief efforts, among many other pursuits. Jason also turned to service when, in the face of senseless violence, he felt the...

Dana Dougherty

Story of Service: Dana Dougherty

Congratulations to Dana Dougherty of Arlington - winner of the 2018 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Adult Volunteer! Dana Dougherty’s passion for healthy living is getting children and families moving in Arlington! Dana began her quest at Oakridge Elementary, an urban school also known as an “international neighborhood school” with a population speaking more than 40 languages. Here she spends countless hours creating and running an “all are welcome” morning fitness program and family fitness nights. Dana also realized the need for students to have “movement breaks” throughout the day in order to refocus on learning. She created 2Fit2Quit,...

James Taylor

Story of Service: James Taylor

Making Sure No Child Falls Through the Cracks We are excited to congratulate Virginia native James Taylor, who was recently honored at the AmeriCorps State Symposium for exemplary efforts in disability inclusion. James, who struggled with a learning disability himself, was one of four honorees for the Tom Harkin Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards. Serving as a Public Allies Chicago AmeriCorps member, James revolutionized how Chicago Public Schools tracked their diverse learners and brought a great level of proficiency and expertise to his work because of his similar life experiences. As a student with special needs, James said he was allowed to...

Ashley Coulson

Story of Service: Ashley Coulson

As a recent high school graduate and 2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree, Ashley Coulson has been a dedicated volunteer in Y Street, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth's youth-led statewide initiative, where she served 115 service hours in the past year. She helped lead the program's Share the Air campaign, working towards tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free parks, playgrounds, beaches, and trails across the Commonwealth. Her service included organizing booths at community events, gauging Virginians' attitudes toward tobacco-free outdoor policies, and meeting with elected officials and community leaders. Ashley also served on the Y Street Leadership Team for three consecutive...

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