A volunteer firefighter who died in an explosion that destroyed a home in Sterling, Virginia, in February will be honored Monday with Virginia flags at half-staff.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin made the order for the United States and Virginia flags to be lowered at all state buildings “in memory and respect of Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who tragically lost his life,” the statement read.
Flags will be lowered at sunrise on Monday, March 4 and will stay at half-staff until sunset.
Brown, 45, was a father of three, and had been affiliated with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue since 2016, officials said.
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Eleven first responders, including Brown and two civilians, were taken to hospitals with varying injuries after the devastating explosion, officials said.
A 500-gallon underground propane tank had been found leaking near the home, according to officials. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
'It's the right thing to do': community fundraises for the Brown family
Outpourings of grief and support for Brown's family have come from many sectors of the Sterling community.
Bob Reivers, the owner of Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park, decided to direct this weekend's receipts to help. The effort was coordinated with the Loudoun First Responders Foundation.
“With the funeral coming up this Monday, we need to raise a lot of money,” he said. “It's the first time ever that we've donated 100% of our gross income from the range, miniature golf, gemstone panning, because this is such a worthy cause.”
So over the weekend, the business turned the proceeds of family fun and togetherness into support for a family in need, a family that can no longer know the presence of a father, a husband and a friend lost in the pursuit of safety for others.
“I feel good about it. My entire family and staff feel it's the right thing to do,” Reivers said.
And judging by the number of people who showed up upon learning of the cause, there are more than a few neighbors who agree.
For Ryan Bradley, it was a chance to give his young sons some pointers on the game, along with a lesson in charity and caring for their fellow man.
"They love the sport, so it was good to get them to come out here for a good cause and teach them about that,” he said.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.
