County Departments Honored with VACo Achievement Awards for Innovative Community Programs

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Historic Preservation was recently recognized by the Virginia Association of Counties, or VACo, with achievement awards for their outstanding initiatives that enhance community engagement, historical preservation and youth career readiness. 

Historic Thoroughfare Exhibit 

The Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation, or OHP, received recognition for its creation of an online exhibit showcasing Historic Thoroughfare, an African American community in western Prince William County established post-Civil War. Designed to increase awareness and accessibility, the exhibit draws attention to the historical and cultural significance of the area. 

Incorporating oral histories from Thoroughfare community members, the exhibit captures family stories, struggles, and achievements. “The exhibit is the vehicle to share their experiences, and it’s something we can revisit over and over again,” said Harvey Cecil-Allen Jones, a participant in the Thoroughfare Oral History Project. “This exhibit serves as a constant reminder of how important it is to respect our family history, and it is a teaching tool and will remain a teaching tool for future generations.”    

Key features include audio recordings of interviews that describe locations within the Thoroughfare community, some of which have been lost over time. “These audio clips were especially useful in constructing the online exhibit, as they were embedded in the virtual tour to enhance the visitor experience,” noted OHP Communities Coordinator Lauren Maloy. 

In 2021, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors established a new historic park in Thoroughfare and funded further research and interpretation of the area. In May 2023, OHP staff released “Historic Thoroughfare,” integrating multidisciplinary insights from archaeologists, genealogists, historians and preservationists. 

Among the most impactful discoveries highlighted in the exhibit is an 1873 deed transferring land to Thomas Primas, a formerly enslaved laborer—the first documented property transfer to a person of color in Thoroughfare. “This deed is a significant inclusion in the exhibit,” said Maloy, as it underscores the community’s foundational history. 

The OHP collaborated with the county’s Planning Office and GIS staff to create an immersive StoryMap, complete with historical overlays, archival research and a virtual tour. “The StoryMap also incorporates audio clips from the oral histories,” Maloy explained, adding that OHP staff collaborated closely with the Thoroughfare community to refine the exhibit before its release. 

The online exhibit currently grants virtual access to Thoroughfare sites, pending the completion of the Thoroughfare Historic Park, which is intended as a destination for future visitors. “Piecing together these research efforts more accurately documents the stories of individual Thoroughfare residents, both past and present, and illustrates over a century of change in this small corner of Prince William County. The preservation of this community is essential, but public interpretation of these preservation efforts is even more important,” said Maloy. 

Firefighter Cadet Program 

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, or DFR, earned the VACo award for its Firefighter Cadet Program, a career pathway program initially launched in 2020. Despite early challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions and limited staffing, the program persisted, backed by full funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget and a partnership with Prince William County Schools, or PWCS. This collaboration provides students with certifications from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, including Firefighter I, CPR, and Hazardous Materials Operations. 

After COVID restrictions lifted, the program struggled to gain momentum until early 2023, when Lt. Meagan Donelan was assigned as program manager. Recognizing the need for enhanced leadership, Donelan requested Technician II Todd Laws to join as a subject matter expert, tasked with delivering the VDFP Firefighter I curriculum. 

Donelan and Laws developed a curriculum schedule for the Class of 2024, addressing logistical issues such as transportation, classroom availability, and scheduling conflicts. Collaborating with PWCS’s Katie Hodgson, Specialty Programs Coordinator at Unity Reed High School, and teacher liaison Keith Cassedy, Donelan established a strong foundation of communication and resources. 

With added support from Technician II Chris Saxon and Unity Reed High School’s provision of additional classroom space, the program has flourished. The Class of 2024 marked the program's first official Fire Department graduation ceremony, and two graduates have joined the department. 

For the 2024-2025 school year, the department plans to expand the curriculum to include VDFP Firefighter II. Additionally, Donelan has proposed a two-year program structure enabling cadets to graduate with qualifications in Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations and EMT, allowing for immediate employment with the department upon program completion. 

The awards from VACo highlight Prince William County’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and providing meaningful career development opportunities for its youth, further demonstrating the county’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and resilient community.