Purcellville Council Approves Donation for Fireman’s Field Upgrades

By Valerie Cury

The Purcellville Town Council voted unanimously March 10 to approve a donation that will fund safety and aesthetic improvements at historic Fireman’s Field.

The project, funded by EE Reed East Coast, which specializes in industrial building construction and data centers, will replace the baseball field’s aging warning track, with the company providing all materials, labor, and equipment at a savings to the town of $189,000.

Fireman’s Field is known as Virginia’s oldest baseball field and is a designated historic landmark. The current warning track was installed over 30 years ago and consists of a concrete base topped with a rubberized surface. Officials say years of wear have left the playing surface in declining condition, raising concerns about player safety.

Under the approved plan, the existing track will be removed and replaced with a standard professional-style design made of a gravel base topped with brick dust, a change expected to make the area safer and more visually appealing.

According to a March 13 Cannons’ press release, the effort began in November during a conversation among members of the Purcellville Cannons organization. Angela Kable Johnson, the team’s board secretary and photographer, recalled her immediate reaction when the issue of cost arose: “Hold up … I think I can get this done through a community project and donation.”

Kable Johnson later connected the project with EE Reed East Coast through professional and personal contacts. After meetings and site visits, the proposal moved forward with support from company leadership. Chief Operating Officer Doug Meadows responded to the idea with a succinct endorsement, according to organizers: “Absolutely!”

At the Town Council meeting, Purcellville Mayor Chris Bertaut thanked EE Reed East Coast, the Cannons, town staff, and Interim Town Manager Tony Sabio “for pulling together this partnership between the Cannons and the town in helping to bring in this very, very generous donation.” He added, “I look forward to many, many years of team play by the Cannons and other teams who play on this field.”

Construction is expected to begin soon. 

The press release notes that the project comes as the Purcellville Cannons prepare for their 10th season at Fireman’s Field. Kable Johnson said the team continues to draw strong support from the local community.

Cannons manager Brett Fuller said he is “extremely excited” for the warning track project to begin, adding that it will give players “the opportunity to experience playing on the best all-natural baseball facility in Virginia.”

The Cannons open their 2026 schedule May 27 with an exhibition game against the Gaithersburg Giants, followed by their home opener May 29 at Fireman’s Field.

More information about the team, including volunteer opportunities, host families, and the upcoming season, is available at www.purcellvillecannons.org.

This donation took a political turn after Mayor Chris Bertaut posted about the project on his Facebook page. In his post, Bertaut said, “Town Manager Tony Sabio began discussions with the Cannons’ owner, Brett Fuller, which helped develop the partnership that brought in this generous donation.” He also thanked EE Reed East Coast and the Cannons for “pulling together this partnership to support our historic field.” 

Kable Johnson responded in a Facebook post disputing that characterization. She wrote that the Town Manager “had ZERO involvement in securing the generous donation from E.E. Reed East Coast” and added that she “alone initiated the conversations, arranged the meetings, and personally facilitated the entire process that led to this wonderful gift for THE CANNONS.” 

She added that she was “appalled and frankly insulted” by the mayor’s post and “expects—and demands—a prompt, public correction and apology” for what she described as an “inaccurate post.” Kable Johnson also stressed, “Credit belongs where it is earned, not twisted to score cheap political points or shield an employee.”

Her post emphasized her personal role and that of her daughter, stating, “I alone initiated the conversations, arranged the meetings, and personally facilitated the entire process that led to this wonderful gift for THE CANNONS. 

“The emails asking for the donation were between me, my daughter Marie (the Real MVP and Employee of EE Reed) and the COO of EE Reed. The Town’s only role was the basic legal requirement since they own the property. That’s it.” 

Bertaut’s post thanked EE Reed East Coast, the Cannons owner Brett Fuller, the Cannons organization and Town Manager Tony Sabio, who “began a new relationship with the Canons by picking up the phone and starting direct talks with the Canons owner, Brett Fuller last fall.”

Council Member Susan Khalil offered an additional perspective in her post, stating, “Never did the Mayor say that our Town Manager secured the donation from EE Reed. He gave credit to the Town Manager for opening up communication with the Cannons, which helped make the donation possible. 

“Those posting criticism have not hesitated to degrade our Town Manager at every turn, so it is no surprise that they would not want to see him receive credit for facilitating a valued town partnership.”