Prince William Fire Chief, Firefighters Honor Kyle R. Wilson's Legacy

August 29 marked the first day of school for public school students in Prince William County. For students at Kyle R. Wilson Elementary School in Woodbridge, it was also their first day at a new school: one named for a local hero. Kyle R. Wilson Elementary School was named for Technician I Kyle Wilson, a Prince William County Firefighter who died on April 16, 2007 while battling a house fire in Woodbridge. Wilson was 24-years-old.

To commemorate the occasion, Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee greeted students entering the school along with firefighters from Station 17, Montclair. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Chief McGee said he got goosebumps when he walked into the building that bears Kyle’s name. He noted how appropriate it is for a school should be named after him. “There’s no better public servant, no better citizen, no better athlete, no better student to carry the name of your school than Kyle R. Wilson," McGee said. Monday, that feeling only intensified as Chief McGee greeted the first of many young students to attend the elementary school named in honor of our hometown hero. “I see a part of Kyle in each and every one of you; for his determination, commitment, kindness, compassion, work ethic, humor and bravery are attributes in which to strive toward in becoming a valued product and contributor of Prince William County and society as a whole," McGee said. Prince William firefighters' were joined at the school's opening by school officials, Superintendent Steven Walts, school board members and members of Kyle Wilson's family, including his sister, Kelli Gray, who praised the school.