Capt. Daniel Corder awarded the prestigious FireRescue 2008 Company Officer of the Year Award

FireRescue is proud to announce that Capt. Daniel Corder of the Loudoun County (Va.) Fire & Rescue Department has been awarded the prestigious FireRescue 2008 Company Officer of the Year Award.

Corder, who accepted the award at Fire Rescue International in Denver, Colo., is donating the $1,000 cash award to the Alex Keepers Memorial Hardship Fund. The fund was established through his department’s local to assist injured or burned firefighters and their families, and is named for Lt. Alex Keepers, who died in a weather-related motor vehicle accident on his way to work.

Corder began his fire career as a volunteer with the Ashburn (Va.) Volunteer Fire Company, in 1974. As a junior member Captain Dan, as he is now know, completed his NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I, II and III training as well as becoming an EMT-A shortly after his 18th birthday. He was the first member of the Ashburn Company to become a certified EMT.

During his active volunteer years, Corder served in many operational positions, including assistant chief. He served with the Prince William Fire and Rescue Department as a career fire fighter from 1983–1989. In 1988, he became a career station officer at Loudoun County.

Congratulations, Capt. Dan, and thank you all for the nominations!

Specific accomplishments include:

Constructed a training prop using of a 40-foot box trailer to provide training to increase proficiency with skills and safety procedures in use of SCBA, search and rescue and mayday procedures. This prop is also available to neighboring jurisdictions.
Currently works with the local elementary school with an after school reading program.
Developed partnerships with local businesses to repave the fire station parking lot, repaint the firehouse and build a recreation area behind the firehouse.
Developed equipment check sheet and repair programs to promote safety.

From the Nominations:
“Captain Dan made his people wear seatbelts when it wasn’t fashionable. He made his driver drive the speed limit and stop at stop signs, when it wasn’t fashionable. Captain Dan established command on every call before it became the normal thing to do.”

“Dan makes every day an exciting day. His daily schedule always includes three things. First is physical fitness. He set the example by training harder than anyone else on the crew. Second is the daily quiz. Captain Dan encourages his crewmembers to develop daily quizzes to expand the knowledge base of everyone, including himself. And last, but certainly not least there is a skills drill. Training is balanced between skills and knowledge.”

“Dan works hand-in-hand with the volunteer management to provide assistance and encouragement. He was instrumental in providing support and encouragement to his current agency with training, administrative duties, problem solving and site maintenance. His daily itinerary always includes system participation.”

“Danny demonstrates a sincere commitment to the career and volunteer members. He ensures his staff understands their expectations, safety principles, and workplace dedication. He also practices the National Incident Management System principles on the emergency scene and offers training opportunities for this subject to his staff.”