Micah Kiger receives Governor’s Fire Service Award

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Fire Service Awards, on Feb. 21, as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach.  

Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards honor excellence in Virginia’s fire service and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board. 

“We join together in celebration and gratitude for the incredible contributions made by these first responders and support staff. In the midst of recent tragedy, we are grateful for these fearless heroes who run towards danger to protect and serve their fellow Virginians every day.” said Youngkin. “In collaboration with Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole, we thank these personnel for their dedication and commitment to protecting our Commonwealth.”

“It is vital that we acknowledge and appreciate these dedicated individuals who have a deep commitment to serving others,” said Virginia Department of Fire Programs Executive Director Brad Creasy. “These remarkable men and women routinely exhibit acts of bravery, often putting their own lives on the line to save others. I am proud to recognize these courageous first responders.”  

Micah Kiger, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue, was one of the recipients among many others across Virginia. He was recognized for Excellence in Virginia Fire Services.

In 2017, an incendiary fire occurred in Loudoun County where gasoline was used to burn the exterior of a structure. Investigative leads were exhausted by members of the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office under the direction of Deputy Chief Micah Kiger.

A piece of evidence was discarded by the perpetrator on a nearby walking trail. Due to a thorough canvass of surrounding areas, a well-documented scene, and proper evidence collection techniques, a DNA profile was retrieved from a glove. At the time of the crime, no matching DNA profile was in the national database.

In September 2022, the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office was notified of a possible DNA match to an adult male arrested for arson in Norfolk. Through strong investigative work, the case was presented to a grand jury where an indictment for felony arson was issued.