04/26/2022
I drove Captain Schoppa to my first fire as a brand new backup engine driver. She was firm and strong and knew her job well but she was also kind and funny and down to earth. She was what every female firefighter should aspire to be. Rest In Peace Capt., we’ll take it from here. 💔
It is with great sadness that Fire Chief John Butler announces the line-of-duty death of Captain Kimberly Schoppa on April 26, 2022 from occupational cancer.
Captain Schoppa was hired as a firefighter in 2004 and served with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for over 18 years. She was assigned to Fire Station 27, West Springfield (C-Shift) and a member of the Honor Guard, at the time of her passing.
Captain Schoppa was a valued friend and esteemed member of the department. There is no doubt Captain Schoppa touched many lives throughout her career and will be remembered as a kind, caring and compassionate person. She was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Fire Chief Butler and the men and women of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, extend our deepest condolences to Captain Schoppa’s family - wife Master Technician (ret) Kim Klaren, parents Jan and Karl Schoppa, her brothers Chris and his partner Paul, and Brett (wife Amy and children Riley (fiancé Anya), Abigail, and Maura); Klaren’s mom Shirley, brothers Bobby (wife Andrea and children Bo, Cody, and Tyler), Matt (wife Kay and children Kyle (fiancé Elyse), Kacie, and Cole), and sister Kara (husband Mike) – as well as extended family, friends, co-workers, and anyone whose life she touched.
