On March 20, 2024, Sterling Volunteer Fire Company (SVFC) Firefighter Brian Diamond received a hero’s welcome at Station 18/25 in Sterling. Brian was severely burned in the Silver Ridge Drive home explosion on February 16, 2024. This tragic event resulted in the death of Firefighter Trevor Brown and injury to 11 first responders and 2 civilians. Today, Brian received a hero’s welcome, returning home from a 33 day stay in the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit. Transported with his wife Lisa by Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad (SVRS) ambulance, Firefighter Diamond arrived at the station to be greeted by two long, cheering lines of Sterling Rescue, Sterling Fire and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) members, including LCFR System Chief Keith Johnson, Sterling Fire Chief David Short, and Sterling Rescue Chief Sam Neglia.

Immediately swarmed by news media, Firefighter Diamond and his wife Lisa responded to questions in a way that brought tears to our eyes, smiles to our faces and a great pride in all who serve as first responders, including their families. When asked what he most looked forward to, Brian responded that it was being able to be back home with his wife and children. He also said that he looked forward to a full recovery and being able to get back on a fire truck. When Lisa was asked what she thought about that last part, she said that Brian had her full support. Brian and Lisa, you are true heroes.

After the brief visit at the station, it was back into the Sterling Rescue ambulance for the ride home– in a procession that included a Loudoun County Sheriff motorcycle escort and a long line of Sterling Rescue and Sterling Fire vehicles filled with well-wishers. Welcome home, Brian!