Prince William County Parks’ Employees Recognized with Community Builders Award from Local Masonic Lodge

(Pictured L-R: Jennifer Kooyoomjian, Prince William County Office of Community Safety; Todd Reid, CPD, CLSD, Prince William County Parks & Recreation; Byren Lloyd, Dale City Lodge No. 319)

Prince William County employees Todd Reid and Jennifer Kooyoomjian were recently recognized by Dale City Masonic Lodge No. 319 with its Community Builders Award for their contributions to building and supporting youth apprenticeship programs in the community. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving and making a positive impact in the community. 

“Their continued efforts have helped create opportunities for young people to gain meaningful life skills, career development and exposure to pathways that can help prepare them for their futures,” said Byren Lloyd with Dale City Lodge 319.

The award was presented to them on September 18. Reid serves as the Assistant Director of Security Operations for Prince William County Parks, and Kooyoomjian is the Gang Response Intervention Team Coordinator with the Office of Community Safety.

Both were involved with launching the Park Ranger Apprenticeship pilot program, where teen participants gained hands-on experience, professional skills and connections designed to help prepare them for future opportunities. 

The pilot program was a partnership between the Prince William County Office of Community Safety and the Department of Parks and Recreation and provided youth ages 14 to 17 with the opportunity to volunteer alongside county park rangers and other staff while learning about public service and their community. 

Prince William County Community Services, the Department of Social Services, the Juvenile Court Service Unit and Vicktory Life, a youth development and mentoring organization, also partnered on the pilot and helped provide initial staff training before the program began. 

Three teens recently graduated from the program and the partners are evaluating the pilot program and considering opportunities for future cohorts.