Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company Experiences Change of Command

On January 1, 2010 the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company experienced a change in volunteer operational command when Chief Bob Dryden stepped down as the department's most senior operations officer and Captain Jimmy Counselman assumed the role.

Chief Counselman was elected to the position by the membership of the Company in its December meeting. The Chief has been in the volunteer fire service for over 25 years and been associated with the Purcellville VFC for 20 years. His most recent position was a senior Captain with the Company and is respected for his extensive knowledge of fire fighting and apparatus operations and systems. A 1987 graduate of Loudoun Valley High School, Chief Counselman was raised in Hillsboro and has lived in Purcellville since 1988. His father was a fire fighter as is his son Jamie who currently serves with the PVFC. His wife Anita is secretary of the Company.

Chief Counselman's focus will be on maintaining the growth of the Company and on training essential to providing the community with the quality fire service it has come to expect from its volunteers.

Bob Dryden stepped down as chief after an extremely successful four years at the Company's helm. Chief Dryden presided over some of the most critical transformations of the Company in recent history, including the solidifying of the excellent working relationship with the career staff in a 'combined' career/volunteer environment. The Company experienced unprecedented growth in active membership during his watch with a 300% increase in a little over three years. Over 30 certified fire fighters joined the Company in the last few years alone with more currently in training. The Company also enhanced its internal training program and added three new fire apparatus to its fleet, expanding the department's capabilities to better serve the community. He also participated in negotiations of the sale of Fireman's Field to the Town and the development of a new Safety Center which is the new home of volunteer fire and rescue services in Purcellville. Chief Dryden also served on several County fire and rescue committees, most recently the Fire Council.

Chief Dryden will return to the department as a senior Captain. His wife Robin is a veteran of the fire service also serving with the PVFC as a Master Technician.