A Fire in 2010 and a Good Deed in 2011

On December 25, 2010, when most residents of Fairfax Station and Clifton were unwrapping presents and enjoying their families, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department answered a call at 11506 Chapel Road. The firefighters arrived at about 9:45. The owners of the ranch-style house and their two guests had escaped safely after smoke detectors alerted them to the fire.

Flames and black smoke were billowing from the roof and garage, where the fire evidently had started. Because there are few accessible water hydrants in this semi-rural area, a Water Tanker Task Force carried water to the scene. The three tankers in the unit were supplemented by an additional tanker truck, which continued to shuttle water to Chapel Road.

The firefighters battled the blaze both inside and outside the house. After 45 minutes, they extinguished the fire. Although people and pets were unharmed, the garage, the roof, the attic, two vehicles and a motorcycle were destroyed. Many personal belongings were damaged from both water and smoke, and the occupants could not return to the house. What a way to spend Christmas Day!

Is something which happened more than a month ago still newsworthy? Yes. After the fire, Zach McCall, a 9th grade student at Robinson Secondary, stepped forward to help his neighbors. He lives just across Chapel Road from the house, and he and his family know the homeowners.

Zach has been a Boy Scout since February 13, 2008. He belongs to Boy Scout Troop 1104, which is sponsored by Clifton Presbyterian Church. More than 70 boys, ranging in age from 11 to 18, are members of the troop. The adult Scoutmaster is Bo Reese, and Jack Dulan is the Committee Chairman, who manages the paperwork and routine business, he explained modestly.

Bo Reese's primary responsibility, Dulan continued, is to make certain “the troop is engaging in youth leadership training, assisting the boys in organizing what is a complex program, teaching outdoor skills, instilling a moral compass and ensuring we all have fun.”

A tall order, but Committee Chairman Dulan added that “the day-to-day direction, organization, and leadership in our weekly meetings come from our Senior Patrol Leader and his Patrol Council.” The Senior Patrol Leader of the troop is Zach McCall, a Star Scout. He and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Tom Stone, Matt Dulan and James Mangahas, run the troop and provide guidance.

After the fire on Chapel Road, Zach McCall realized that Troop 1104 could offer help to the family, which had lost almost everything they owned. He and Mr. Dulan alerted the other Scouts to the tragedy and to Zach’s plan to help. Realizing that many people receive gift cards they do not need or use, Zach asked troop members to bring these unwanted cards to the troop’s meetings. Cards for grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and local restaurants would be especially appreciated, Zach thought, as his neighbors began the long process of rebuilding. The troop members were more than willing to participate in the undertaking.

When asked about the project, Zach explained, “It could have been my family, and what would we do? Most people don't realize the impact of a fire unless you experience it first hand. I would like to thank everyone in Troop 1104 that gave in this time of need. The family expressed that the cards really helped them out quite a bit.”

As Committee Chairman, Jack Dulan watches the Scouts become responsible young men, leaders in their schools, troop, and community.” He praised Troop 1104 for its generous response to the emergency and Zack in particular, “in the highest ideals of Boy Scouts, for demonstrating compassion and the execution of a good deed.” Zach McCall’s project was truly special, one for which we can all feel grateful.