Rain was coming down in sheets during tropical storm Agnes in June 1972. The storm's 22 inches of rainwater drenched city streets, but William F. "Billy" Boehm II was undaunted. As a 13-year-old helping out the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department with its rescue efforts, he was charged with delivering cots.
"I just thought I was the bigwig wearing all that gear," Boehm said.
More than 30 years later, Boehm is still wearing that gear as chief of the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD). As such, his contributions to the city have earned him the designation of grand marshal for the 2004 Independence Day Parade on July 3.
"Billy is a man of action. When he finds out there's an issue or problem, he works on it immediately," said FVFD president Bob Snitzer.
The 45-year-old Boehm, who has been volunteering for the FVFD since he was 12, was surprised and honored by the recognition.
"Being involved in the fire department, you get thanked a lot by citizens, but not thanked a lot as a whole," Boehm said. "I felt honored that someone took the time out for me."
BOEHM STARTED volunteering for the FVFD because of his father, who was a volunteer firefighter. As a 12-year-old, Boehm would hang out at the fire department whenever he wasn't in school. He went on his first call in 1970, and when Boehm's father died several years later, the guys at the fire station made sure Boehm stayed involved. When Boehm turned 18 in 1976, he finally became a member.
"It's very interesting because you feel you're grown up [at 12], and you're part of that team when you went on that call," said Boehm of his first call.
Boehm has remained with the FVFD, even after attending George Mason University and becoming a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, where he now works.
"The fire department is a group of men and women who desire to help and who are very giving of themselves, and I enjoy being a part of that," Boehm said.
Throughout his 30-plus years of involvement, Boehm has many calls, both humorous and tragic, etched into his memory. On a call during Father's Day one year, a father and his children died after being ejected from their vehicle. Another time, the fire department responded to a call of a fire that would kill a family of five. Later that year, another fire took a family of four.
In 2001, the fire department was part of the relief efforts at the Pentagon. Through Boehm's federal job, he was also at the site of the World Trade Center the day after 9/11.
"There was nothing I had ever seen like the destruction of the Pentagon," Boehm said.
YET, BOEHM HAS experienced moments of humor and camaraderie, like the annual Old Fashioned Fireman's Day activities during Independence Day. Boehm hasn't missed one since 1976.
"I get kids telling me they can't wait until the next Fourth of July," Boehm said.
As FVFD chief for 16 years, Boehm works with the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department. Because of a city ordinance, the FVFD chief is second in command of all fire and rescue services in Fairfax, just after Fire and Rescue chief Tom Owens.
Boehm has also helped recruit and retain new members for the FVFD.
"He's made a real effort to get new members involved," Snitzer said.
David Bryson, assistant chief for the VFVD, agreed. He has witnessed Boehm demonstrate his leadership during calls and when Boehm works with city firefighters on the city operational budget.
"Chief Boehm is a very open and friendly person who is a dynamic leader, not only in what he does for us but in what he does in his workplace and personal life," Bryson said.
Boehm will also continue living in Fairfax, his hometown, with his wife and their dog. As a graduate of Green Acres Elementary, Lanier Middle and Fairfax High Schools, Boehm enjoys serving the community he has known all his life.
"There's nothing more rewarding than helping someone through their time of need," Boehm said.