Ashburn Pub Provides Early Support For Loudoun Firefighters After Explosion

ASHBURN, VA — Ashburn Pub owner Kevin Bednarz and others in Loudoun County were horrified to learn a Sterling house explosion killed firefighter Trevor Brown and injured 11 more first responders and two residents last Friday night. That's why Bednarz took quick action to set up a fundraiser at his three restaurants to support the first responders.

The Ashburn Pub fundraiser was one of the early fundraisers to help the family of fallen Sterling Volunteer Fire Company Brown and other firefighters injured in the house explosion. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the Ashburn Pub, Purcellville Pub and Purcellville EATS donated 10 percent of food sales to support the Loudoun First Responders Foundation.

Bednarz told Patch the fundraiser generated a $5,500 donation for the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, which supports public safety personnel and their families with line-of-duty injuries and fatalities.

"These guys are the real heroes," said Bednarz. "My wife and I just own a restaurant. These guys deserve all the credit and attention."

Bednarz said he chose the three-day holiday weekend for the fundraiser when he expected more customers. The fundraiser drew some more patrons to the restaurants, including many EMTs and firefighters, as well as a dozen grateful texts from first responders.

Bednarz, who has seen first responders as customers and has friends in the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, hopes the community can continue year-round support for first responders.

"It's terrible that something like this brings light to them," said Bednarz. "It should be something that happens year-round, and we try to do this every once in a while."

Bednarz's Ashburn Pub has been open since 1995, and he later opened Purcellville Pub and Purcellville EATS. The restaurants have supported first responders and other local causes like medical fundraisers, local sports programs and meals for first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to get involved in future fundraisers to support fire and rescue personnel.

While Ashburn Pub's fundraisers has ended, the community can continue donations to fire and rescue personnel. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue designated the Loudoun First Responders Foundation to receive community donations to help the family of fallen firefighter Brown and the other injured fire and rescue personnel. The foundation provides immediate financial support to active first responders. Donors can designate donations to the family of Firefighter Trevor Brown, by writing "Brown Family" in the memo line. Other unspecified donations will benefit the injured firefighters.

Residents may also donate goods or services by emailing [email protected]. Condolences to Brown's family and encouragement to the injured first responders can be sent to [email protected].

GoFundMe fundraisers are helping Kelley Woods, who escaped with her dogs but lost her home, as well as roommate Maria Pia Apolonio.

SEE ALSO:

• Loudoun County Explosion: Procession For Firefighter, Fundraisers
• Loudoun County House Explosion: Firefighter Dead, 13 Injured