Retired Firefighter Recalls Long Career in Fairfax County

When Lt. Danny Urps was a little boy growing up in Fort Hunt, he and a friend used to throw rocks at the fire trucks when they passed by. Urps recalls interacting with the firefighters during these incidents. But at the time, had no idea he'd become one of them one day, save lives and build a strong bond with his colleagues that has lasted for more than 30 years.

"As kids, me and another guy in the depart used to go out and throw rocks at the fire trucks and we'd talk to the firefighters," Urps said. "That firefighter became chief and when I started, he looked at me and said, 'You're that kid who used to throw rocks at my truck.' And as chief, he took good care of us."

In his 30 years as a firefighter, Urps served 28 years with the HAZMAT team and 20 of his 30 years with Fire and Rescue Station 11 Penn Daw in Alexandria. He has seen many fires and made just as many friends in the department — friends who support him on and off duty and who say the department is losing a great firefighter.

Technician William Ward and Master Technician John Linhart were Urps riding partners for many years. Linhart was the driver and Ward said he sat in back. The bond between the three men grew very strong over the years — so much that Ward got goosebumps while discussing his friend's career.

"He was a blast, and you always felt safe when he was around," Ward recalled. "He has had a full career and has been in HAZMAT for most of that time. He helped teach many others as an adjunct at the academy. We're happy for his retirement but we'll miss him."

Linhart said there was nothing like the friendship between him as the driver and Urps as the officer.

"With him as officer and me as the driver, we had a bond. He was able to do what he had to do, and we were able to communicate and understand each other well," Linhart said.

"We were close anyway, on duty and off duty. We've been through everything together," Urps said.

One of the most memorable moments of his career is from May 27, 2007, when Urps and his crew saved two fellow firefighters who had become lost and disoriented at a fire on Estates Drive near Franconia Road and South Van Dorn Street.

"Our team was assigned specifically to help firefighters out when trapped," Urps said. "We couldn't see anything and were trying to find the top of the steps. Luckily, we were able to get out of the house with just first and second degree burns."

His fellow colleagues were even there for him and returned the favor by saving his life when Urps went into cardiac arrest while running. Ward recalls the day that they received the call for an officer down as "the best and worst day of my life."

"What I remember is I was doing PTS physical fitness and going through a cool down walk," Urps explained. Then I remember falling over. The next thing I remember is the guys standing over me. The guy who found me and called it in, we've been best friends for 30 years."

After the incident, Urps went through triple bypass surgery and miraculously returned to duty six months later. Urps' last day at Station 11 was Aug. 9 — a day Linhart and Ward said was full of emotion. His retirement party was Aug. 23 and Linhart said it's the biggest turn out he has seen for a retirement party since he has been with the department.

"We were happy for him. He's one of the best officers."

Urps said he's still getting used to being retired. He has a 14-year-old daughter he wants to watch grow up and "she needs her dad right now." He hopes to teach at the academy and help other recruits go on to have successful careers in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

And still, Urps said he still has it in him to serve Fairfax County.

"Physically, I'm beat up," he said, explaining that he has had multiple surgeries on his knees. "But in my heart and in my mind, I still want to do the job."