Sterling woman honored by Kaine for volunteering
By Jason Jacks
A woman from Sterling has been honored as one of the top volunteers of the state.
Rebecca “Becca” Welsch, a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, was among a dozen recipients of Gov. Tim Kaine’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award for 2008, Kaine’s office announced April 17.
“I congratulate the winning volunteers who help us move Virginia forward and improve the quality of life for all Virginians,” Kaine said in a statement. “When we serve our community as volunteers, our unique skills, perspectives and experience make us a stronger Commonwealth.”
As a volunteer firefighter who also spearheads recruitment for stations in Sterling Park and Cascades, Welsch will be given the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery Award at a ceremony in Virginia Beach on April 24.
After being inspired by the firefighting movie “Ladder 49,” Welsch, 29, started her volunteer career in October 2004. This self-described “tomboy” now puts in between 24 and 40 hours a week for the company. Much of her time is spent organizing recruitment drives and new volunteer orientations.
“It's often another full-time job for me” said Welsch, whose day job is that of a retention specialist with the county’s Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management Department.
As for the honor, the humble Welsch described her reactions as “shocked and touched.”
“There must be other people more deserving of this than me,” she said.
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com