Mia Ethridge

June 11th, 2003 - September 2nd, 2023

Mia Ethridge, age 20, passed away after an eight-week battle in the hospital, as result of injuries incurred in the line of duty, while serving with Louisa County Fire & EMS in Virginia.

Mia grew up in Maryland and Virginia and was a 2021 homeschool graduate. She had a love for people and a big heart for helping them, which led her into service as a firefighter/EMT. Growing up, Mia enjoyed camping, hiking, going to amusement parks, swimming, participating in AWANA and church youth group, and hanging out with friends. From early on, it was clear Mia was energized being around people, fun-loving, caring, and had a powerful resolve to accomplish her goals.

Mia especially enjoyed the water. She started swimming as a toddler and continued taking lessons, training, and competing throughout her grade school years. She participated in summer swim teams, eventually becoming a swim coach. In high school, Mia started working as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

After high school, combined with a very outgoing personality, a strong internal drive, and a big heart, Mia was motivated and eager to expand her service to others. While continuing to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, Mia started volunteering with Stafford County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue before accepting a full-time position with Louisa County Fire & EMS.

In the short time Mia was with the fire service, she made a big impact. She was not afraid to take the lead and was eager to learn everything she could. Mia was often the first one to engage new members of the team and help them get acclimated. She wasn’t shy about coming up with something to liven up a group, like turning on the engine lights in the bay and having a dance party.

In the fire service, Mia found something she enjoyed and was passionate about. Her immediate goals were to become water rescue qualified, join the water rescue team, and become a paramedic.

Mia was a cheerful, friendly, caring young lady, with a great sense of humor, who was taken from us far too soon. As difficult as it has been to lose her, we trust in the sovereign plan and purpose of God and in His goodness, that this was the right time for her.

Mia leaves behind her parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister, who loved her and will greatly miss her.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

John C. McDonald

"Johnny Mac"

August 31, 1959 - May 30, 2014

John McDonald, 54, of Stafford County, VA, a Navy veteran and longtime fire official, passed away while on duty at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Friday May 30, 2014.

John served as a Battalion Chief at Naval District Washington Fire and Emergency Services Central Division.  During his extensive fire and rescue career he also served as Battalion Chief for Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, and as Fire Chief of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a life member. Chief McDonald was a Charter Member and Vice President of Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Station 161. He was the co-founder and co-inventor of The Beer Lasso Company LLC.

John joined the Stafford Volunteer Fireman’s Association as a junior fireman in 1974. Since then he has served in every operational capacity from Fireman to Fire Chief. John was known for his smooth and calm incident command style that clearly communicated incident actions. There is not enough space on this web page to convey to what degree of dedication and excellence John served this department. During John’s tenure as Fire Chief, the term “Dedicated 2 Excellence” was created as the standard by which the department was to live by. His dedication to excellence showed in how John trained firemen, managed emergency incidents and carried himself as a chief fire officer at all times. He expected the best out of his firemen and was not shy in letting you know it. His legacy will live on and will never be lived down.

Jason Edward Mooney

August 5, 1983 - October 19, 2007

Rest In Peace Brother

   Deputy Mooney died as a result of single car accident while responding to an accident on I-95 at 10:25 on Friday, October 19, 2007.

Deputy Mooney was following a Stafford County Rescue Emergency Vehicle when he lost control of his vehicle.

Deputy Jason Mooney was 24 years old, born in Binghamton, New York on August 5, 1983.

Deputy Mooney had been with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office for 1 year and 6 months and began his employment on March 27, 2006 as a Deputy Sheriff I – Field Operations.

Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, Jason served in the Marine Corps as a Supply Administration and Operations Clerk for the 4th Marine Division. Deputy Mooney served 6 months in Al-asad, Iraq. During his time in the military he received the National Defense Operation Iraq Freedom Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with the “M” device, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Certificate of Appreciation.

“The Stafford County Sheriff's Office has suffered a great loss” states Sheriff Charles Jett. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his fiancé and his many friends. Jason was committed to public service and dedicated to helping the citizens of Stafford County. Jason was not only a Sheriff’s Deputy but was also a volunteer fireman with Company 2. He will be greatly missed.”

“His passing will leave a void in our hearts and his absence will be felt by the entire Stafford County Sheriff's Office and the entire Stafford County community.” States Sheriff Jett.

 Joseph Neal Sherman

February 25, 1976 - March 16, 2001 

Rest In Peace Brother

Joseph "Neal" Sherman, 25, of Loudoun-Fairfax Ambulance Service of Sterling, Virginia died as a result of an ambulance crash on March 16, 2001. He and his crew were on a routine patient transport when the accident occurred. The ambulance struck a guardrail, which sent it catapulting through the air, rolling four times, and coming to rest on its roof. Neal sustained injuries from an oxygen tank that broke loose and hit against him during the rollovers. 

Mr. Sherman began his career as a volunteer for Tower 2 Fire Department. He later moved to Stafford County and served as an EMT for Aquia Harbour Rescue Squad and Firefighter for Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, Company 2. In 1999, he became a full-time EMT with Professional Ambulance Service in Annandale, Virginia. He advanced his EMS goals and obtained his EMT-CT certification in August of 2000. In January of the following year he began his career with Loudoun-Fairfax Service; during this time Neal kept his part-time volunteer positions.

Neal dedicated his entire adult life to serving others while seeking his EMS education. He made the supreme sacrifice by safeguarding the life of his patient. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Ashleigh Neale Sherman.

Lt. Charles Noble Robertson IV

"Charlie"   "Lt-2"

December 15, 1946 - January 16, 2010