STERLING, Va. — Brian Diamond, 43, remembers every detail of that fateful night: His shift as a volunteer firefighter took an unexpected and devastating turn when he was in the basement of a Sterling home that exploded. Investigators determined a 500-gallon propane tank underground was leaking, causing the blast.
“That’s what characteristic of firemen to be selfless, to be willing to put their own body on the line for someone else,” said Diamond’s father-in-law Rick Schumacher.
Diamond’s in-laws traveled from Rochester, New York, to care for his four young children, ages 8, 6, 4, and 5, while his wife – who is their daughter – remains by his hospital bed.
“He is severely burned and has significant surgeries and many surgeries to go through the whole process,” explained Mr. Schumacher. “It will be a long haul. Thirty days they’re estimating for his stay at the hospital.”
“He grew up in Ohio and met our daughter in DC Public Schools where they were teaching,” added his mother-in-law Barbara Schumacher as her voice cracked with emotion. “They moved out here to Loudoun County. He lost his father at a young age and lost his mother recently, so he’s been through a lot.”
Family members said Diamond is in good spirits and can speak. Doctors are keeping him as pain-free as possible. Meanwhile, they are receiving support from Diamond’s full-time job at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School in South Riding where he and his wife work. The PTA (Parent Teacher Organization) has organized food deliveries and is collecting gift cards.
“They have meals arranged through March 21 so far every night,” said Mrs. Schumacher.
“This is from school where they work, from the neighborhood, and from the church,” added Mr. Schumacher. “It’s been an amazing outpouring of support. We couldn’t have asked for more.”
In fact, donations have been pouring in from community members. Residents were dropping off food for the crew at Firehouse 11 and others laid flowers at a growing memorial by the flag which remains at half-staff in memory of the one fallen firefighter, Trevor Brown.
The Loudoun First Responders Foundation is coordinating funds for all of the injured firefighters.
"They [the fire department] are directing all donations come through our organization,” said Toni Johnson President of the LFRF.
“You can tell Brian really enjoyed being a fireman,” said Mr. Schumacher. “He took it very seriously: the training, the fitness, the willingness to take his shifts. And he was a volunteer, not a professional so that shows his dedication.
“We are very proud of him and thankful his life was spared,” added Mrs. Schumacher.