The Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad mourns the passing of Doug Rambo, who passed away on 14 February 2023 after more than a year of health challenges. Quite simply, Doug was a “cinder block” in the foundation that is the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad and what we now know as the Loudoun County Combined Fire-Rescue System.
Doug Rambo joined the “Sterling Park” Volunteer Rescue Squad as an operational member in 1981. Doug was service oriented at his core; he served his country, his government, his county, and his community. While a member of Sterling Rescue he would frequently take a response vehicle home, first in Sugarland and later in Countryside. From there he responded to hundreds of calls and initiated care of persons in need. Doug’s example of service to the community did not go unnoticed, as his children; Kenny and Beth followed in his footsteps to become members of the fire-rescue community. Doug rose through the ranks of Sterling Rescue to hold many operational and administrative positions, serving as President, Treasurer, Purchasing Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors for several terms. Doug was also the President of the Sterling Park Safety Center Board and was instrumental in the design and build of Fire-Rescue Station 18/25 in Cascades. Doug’s enhancements to Sterling Rescue’s strategic financial planning is his legacy that will benefit the Rescue Squad for years to come.
Doug’s commitment to his County is yet another example of his willingness to make our System better. Doug served as the Chairman of the Loudoun County Fire Rescue Commission, the governance structure in existence before the creation of the Loudoun County Combined Fire-Rescue System. In addition, Doug was the recipient of many prestigious awards, among them the Clark Deener Award and his induction into the Loudoun County Fire- Rescue Hall of Fame.
Our condolences go out to Doug’s wife Mary, son Kenny and daughter Beth. On behalf of Sterling Rescue, we thank you for sharing Doug with us for so many years. Our hope is that we can carry his legacy forward for others to follow.
