On the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patricia A. Henriques Charitable Foundation made a $75,000 grant to McLean Volunteer Fire Department. This, the single largest donation in the 103-year history of the department, is to help purchase a new, state-of-the-art fire engine to enhance MVFD’s fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the community.

The check was presented to MVFD President Patricia Moynihan by Bob Freda, an estate planning attorney and MVFD administrative volunteer.

“My admiration for McLean Volunteer Fire Department is well known, and it was always noted by my dear friend and colleague Pat,” Bob said. “For forty years, she lived by the Pentagon, and making this grant to assist the heroes of this department on the 23rd anniversary of the attack would thrill her. Personally, it’s very moving to me to be the bridge between her undying spirit and the spirit of this great department.”

Patricia Moynihan, the MVFD President, said the department is “very grateful for this extremely generous donation. This donation, the first of our multi-year efforts to raise $500,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine, will go a long way towards helping us reach our goal.”

With the expected delivery of the new fire engine in 2027, “We will go from one to two fire engines to serve the people of McLean and greater McLean area,” she said. “This added capability will allow us greater flexibility to respond to emergencies as the number of residents and businesses in the area continues to increase.”

The charitable foundation’s benefactor, Patricia A. Henriques, passed away in 2020, and her charitable foundation is managed by Bob Freda and his wife Tricia.