03/06/2026
Raul was a great fire fighter and provider and will be greatly missed our thought and prayers are with the FCFD and his family.
With deep sadness, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announces the line-of-duty-death of Master Technician Raul Perla on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from occupational cancer.
Master Technician Perla was hired as a firefighter in 1996 and served with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for nearly 28 years. He joined the department as a member of Recruit Class 91. He was a long-time and dedicated member of the department’s urban search and rescue (US&R) and technical rescue operation teams, deploying to 12 domestic and international disasters. Master Technician Perla was known internationally for his work as a US&R instructor, member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, and led countless simulated disaster exercises worldwide. He retired from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in December 2023.
In addition to his career as a firefighter, Master Technician Perla served in the United States Navy, beginning in 1986. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer while serving with the United States Navy Seabees. During his military service, he completed two combat tours in the Middle East before retiring from the Navy in 2012.
Master Technician Perla was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend. His selfless service to his department and community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. He was known for his life motto, “Others Before Self”. He will be greatly missed.
The men and women of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue extend our deepest condolences to Master Technician Perla’s wife Jill, and daughters Summer and Sage, as well as extended family, friends, and anyone whose life he touched.
