A community came together in Loudoun County to say goodbye to Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who died trying to protect others as a house exploded in Sterling. News4’s Drew Wilder shares a look at poignant moments from the emotional ceremony.
A Loudoun County firefighter who was killed in the line of duty was honored Monday at a huge celebration of life in Leesburg, Virginia.
Trevor Brown was a volunteer firefighter who died last month in an explosion that destroyed a home in Sterling. He was 45.
First responders from across the D.C. area came to honor Brown at a service held at Cornerstone Chapel. A procession of emergency vehicles, including red fire trucks and motorcycles, drove under a large American flag to the chapel. Bagpipers played as uniformed men and women headed inside.
Brown's father, Thomas Brown, was among several speakers.
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“As his father, I so loved our strong hello and goodbye hugs and talks. Trevor Ryan Brown is our absolute hero who selflessly supported and protected us with great goodness,” he said.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin spoke at the service after he ordered United States and Virginia flags to be lowered at all state buildings on Monday. Flags stayed at half-staff until sunset.
Youngkin described Brown as a hero who worked a 12-hour shift, took his kids to school and likely said, "If not me, then who?" when responding to the Sterling fire.
Youngkin presented a framed flag to Brown’s widow, while first responders gave teddy bears to each of Brown’s young children. One of the kids wore a yellow firefighter helmet.
A bell was tolled, and the last dispatch call about Brown was played. The bell symbolized Brown's spirit going home, while the call marked the end of his service.
The dispatcher's voice echoed Brown's name loud over the crowd in the chapel.
“Brown has completed his last tour as a firefighter in this life,” the dispatcher said.
'We're here to support them'
Prior to the service, people shared thoughts on Brown's legacy, as well as messages of support.
“What a wonderful man. This was a stay-at-home dad and took care of his children, his three children,” Loudoun County Fire Chief Keith Johnson said. “And I think that transpired to what he did at the fire service.”
“It's almost like the military. You're willing to put your life on the line for someone you've never met,” Warren County Fire Rescue Lt. Scott Richardson said.
“You know, it's not going to be easy for a while, but don't give up hope, definitely. Just keep moving forward. Each day is a gift, and we just need to just make the most of it,” one woman said.
“Let the family know that they're not alone. We’re here to support them,” a man said.
First responders said to expect significant traffic delays near the chapel and around the Leesburg Airport until about 3 p.m.
Brown had been affiliated with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue since 2016, officials said.
Eleven first responders and two civilians were taken to hospitals with injuries after the devastating explosion in February, 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.
Recovery continues for some of Brown’s colleagues; one firefighter who was injured in the house explosion remains in the burn unit of a D.C. hospital.
