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Engine Damaged and Medic Equipment Destroyed in Overnight Crash - No Significant Injuries

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Just after midnight, Sunday, July 6, firefighters were alerted to a possible apartment fire in the 4500 block of Dallas Place in Temple Hills.  One of the engines dispatched on the call was Paramedic Engine 842 (PE842) from the Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station in Glassmanor. While en route to the call, PE842 was making a left turn from St. Barnabas Road onto Dallas Place when they were struck in the right rear compartment by a civilian vehicle. This same vehicle was reported to have just passed another piece of responding fire apparatus at a high rate of speed back near St. Barnabas Road and Branch Avenue.  Firefighters estimate there were more than 100' of skid marks visible on the road.

There were no major injuries. The driver of PE842 was taken to a nearby hospital for a checkup.  As per our standard operating procedures the driver of the fire apparatus will undergo post-crash screening.

The driver of the civilian vehicle was also transported to another nearby hospital for a checkup.

The Prince George’s County Police Department investigated the crash.  Results of their investigation were not yet available.
  
PE842 is a “paramedic” engine with a member of the crew being a certified medic riding on-board.  The engine also carries advanced life support (ALS) equipment on-board for the medic to use if needed. 

The ALS equipment was stored in the compartment that was struck by the civilian vehicle.  The majority of this equipment was destroyed from the impact.  This life saving equipment included a Lifepak,  a 12 lead EKG, used by paramedics to evaluate and diagnose a patients heart rhythm, vital signs and is used to defibrillate a patient in cardiac arrest.  This is an extremely valuable unit not only for the life saving capacity but also for the value of the unit itself.  A replacement EKG is valued at $25,000.   The total estimated loss in ALS equipment is about $30,000 and another $20,000 to $30,000 in damage to the engine itself.

The Oxon Hill Station has a reserve pumper that has been placed in service.  A Paramedic Supervisor was able to put together another set of ALS equipment for the engine so that advanced life support function can continue to be provided.

Paramedic Engine 842 was one of five 2012 engines purchased at a value of $525,000 each.

Damage to right rear of Paramedic Engine 842.  image courtesy of PGFD Crew at 842.

Damage to right rear of Paramedic Engine 842.  image courtesy of PGFD Crew at 842.

Image of new pumpers and ladder truck in 2012.

Image of PE842 courtesy of  Paul "Wall" Hawkins.


Laurel Family Awakened by Working Smoke Alarm

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
Mebrady@co.pg.md.us.    @PGFDPIO

A Laurel family of four were taking advantage of a Sunday morning and sleeping in.  Just after 9:00 am today electrical wiring ignited combustibles in the basement of a two-story townhouse in the 15000 block of Courtland Place.  Within moments of the fire ignition a working smoke alarm sounded a loud warning of a fire.  The family awoke to the piercing beeps of the smoke alarm and were able to escape safely and without injury.

Firefighters from the Laurel area arrived and had the fire extinguished within 15 minutes.  

One firefighter sustained an ankle injury while working outside on the fire ground.

Fire Investigators have determined this fire to be accidental and attributed to electrical wiring.  Fire loss is estimated at $20,000.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives.

Tweet A Nickname for New PGFD Pink Paramedic Unit

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     TWITTER - @PGFDPIO

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department placed in service a new paramedic transport unit that has been painted PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness.  The unit was placed in service during a ceremony held on Sunday, July 6, 2014.  This unit will respond from the College Park Fire/EMS Station 812 near the University of Maryland.

One of the medics working today on the unit is Fire Fighter/Medic Ed Aldaco.  His sister, Teresa Aldaco Revilla, is a breast cancer survivor and asked if she could ride on the units first day.  Revilla provided comments to the media and gathered crowd of firefighters and medics at the College Park Station.

This medic transport unit is 1 of 9 that the Fire/EMS Department is receiving this year.  This is the only pink transport unit.  Each unit costs approximately $250,000.

The PGFD PINK Pumper has been affectionately nicknamed “PINKY” and we are in search of a nickname for our new pink paramedic unit.  We will accept recommendations via social media with Twitter and Facebook as well as Email at PGFDPIO@co.pg.md.us

Tweet your response with #PGFDPINK included with your recommendation.  On Facebook, visit our Official Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Page at FACEBOOK.com/PGFDPAGE. 

Be creative.
  • Think of a 1 or 2 world nickname.
  • “Pinky” is already in use by our Pink Pumper.
  • Be professional – we will not use any nickname that uses slang or inappropriate language.
  • Send us your ideas using Twitter @PGFDPIO using #PGFDPINK in your tweet.
  • We will accept ideas until the end of the month of July.
  • The person who submits the nickname that is selected will receive an official uniform pink shirt that is worn by Prince George’s County Firefighter/Medics during the month of October.


Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor would like to thank First Impression of Laurel, Maryland that donated the pink shirts to our 2 paramedics and ride-along for it's first day.  “First Impressions heard what we were doing and quickly agreed to provide a very professional and appropriate looking uniform shirt of the day for our crew on PINK Paramedic 812,” stated Bashoor.





Teresa Aldaco Revilla, is a breast cancer survivor and asked if she could ride on the units first day

Fire Fighter/Medic Ed Aldaco speaks about his sister riding with him on the pink medic.

Fire Chief Bashoor speaks about the Departments pink initiative.
















Just Some of the PGFD Memories of Wayne K. Curry 1951 - 2014

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Public Safety Assistance Program December 2000 at Emerson House.  Fire Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki is 2nd from left.  Then Corrections Director and now DCAO for Public Safety is Barry Stanton is 3rd from left.

Public Safety Assistance Program December 2000 at Emerson House

Swearing In of former PGFD Fire Chief Ron Blackwell on 9-13-2001 - Two days later than originally scheduled.

Swearing In of former Fire Chief Ron Blackwell on 9-13-2001 - Two days later than originally scheduled.

Swearing In of former Fire Chief Ron Blackwell on 9-13-2001 - Two days later than originally scheduled.

Swearing In of  former Fire Chief Ron Blackwell on 9-13-2001 - Two days later than originally scheduled.

County Executive Curry at the fire ground in the 3300 block of Curtis Drive where an explosion occurred inside an apartment building causing extensive damage.  December 1999.

County Executive Curry at the fire ground in the 3300 block of Curtis Drive where an explosion occurred inside an apartment building causing extensive damage.  December 1999.

As additional images become available they will be added.



Working Smoke Alarm Alerts Townhouse Occupants of Basement Fire

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Another success story in Prince George's County with a family escaping unharmed from their burning home thanks to a working smoke alarm.  A carelessly discarded match ignited combustibles in the basement of a 2-story, middle of the row, townhouse in the 1800 block of Tulip Ave in District Heights (Ritchie) just after 1:30 this afternoon.

The fire grew in intensity and smoke soon set off a smoke alarm.  Upon hearing the tones emitted by the alarm, the 2 adult females escaped safely and without injury.

911 was called and firefighters arrived first from the nearby Ritchie Volunteer Fire Station quickly followed by other area firefighters.  The fire was extinguished with 10 minutes of arrival.

Having a working smoke increases the chances of you and your family escaping by 50%.  Early notification to the Fire Department reduces the amount of damage caused by the fire.  Have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home.  The Fire Department recommends you purchase a 10-year, tamper proof, with hush alarm feature.  Never change a battery again.

Fire Investigators determined the fire to be accidental and estimated fire loss at $15,000.  No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The County Citizen Services Unit assisted the 2 adult females and the American Red Cross will provide temporary shelter.
  




















NBC 4 Scott McFarlane Report on DC Area Auto Arson Fires "Hot Wheels"

Capitol Heights VFD 100th Anniversary Parade Saturday 12 Noon

Branchville VFC Hosts Community Yard Sale July 19 in North College Park


Lt. Rich Worley's Retirement Party - August 16 6:00 pm

PGFD Firefighter/Medic Selected as the American Legion National Firefighter of the Year

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Fire Fighter/Medic Sara Shaffer was awarded a Gold Medal of Honor and named the Prince George's County Firefighter of the Year in April of this year.  She has received numerous awards since saving another firefighter that had sustained critical injuries when the fire engine he was riding was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer on the Beltway in January. 

Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor stopped by Shaffer's station this morning and presented a plaque from the American Legion for being selected as the State of Maryland's Firefighter of the year.   While at the St. Joes Fire/EMS Station in Springdale Chief Bashoor reflected on the incident in which Shaffer is receiving a well-deserved abundance of acclaim.  He told the crew that all the personnel on this particular incident did an outstanding job under challenging circumstances but that Shaffer's performance in helping to save life and limb of another firefighter was being singled out as being extraordinary and above and beyond the call of duty.

Fire Fighter/Medic Shaffer is also very gracious and quick to acknowledge her fellow firefighters on this incident and she accepts the accolades and awards on behalf of her team.

Fire Fighter/Medic Shaffer and the Fire/EMS Department were recently notified that Shaffer will be recognized at the American Legion Regional Level Firefighter of the year in Ocean City on July 17 and that in August she will be recognized as the American Legion National Fire Fighter of the Year at the organization's annual meeting in North Carolina.  Congratulations Sara.

 















PGFD INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF INSTRUCTOR III (Seasonal 1000-hour)

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Office of Human Resources Management
1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 159
Largo, MD 20774

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Employment/Pages/default.aspx
 

INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
INSTRUCTOR III - 14-085-51-NM

An Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY
$45,000.00 /Year
OPENING DATE: 07/11/14
CLOSING DATE: 07/25/14
THE POSITION
ONLY ON-LINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
 
Bi-Lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.


THIS IS A TEMPORARY-SEASONAL (1000 HOUR) POSITION


The Fire/EMS Department is currently seeking a highly qualified individual to fill one (1) vacant Instructor III (1,000 Hour), G-24, position (Fire Instructor) in the Fire/EMS Training Academy.

This is a senior/lead level professional work responsible for providing key management level, administrative and technical support for managing the High School Fire Science Program in the Fire/EMS Department.  This position is responsible for teaching and curriculum development.  
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Plans, develops and implements programs and provides management and administrative technical support to the Fire Chief in the creation of a variety of Fire/EMS programs related to the High School Fire Science Program; researches, reviews and prepares programs, plans and reports; develops strategies and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief on various topics/subjects; prepares, develops and evaluates proposals and assessments to guide in the production of topical reports and publications to keep the public informed; provides and conducts firefighting and other courses of instruction; meets Prince George's Fire/EMS Department's physical requirements and ensures compliance with Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department's Training Academy guidelines, including requirements for Professional Development for Instructors; responsible for the overall direction and management of projects; and works with internal and external parties to organize, run, and conclude major projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in education, business or public administration, or a closely related field, plus two (2) years of professional experience in training or educational instruction; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  Applicant must:
  1. Successfully pass a background investigation.
  2. Possess a valid driver's license.
  3. Must have a Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board (MICRB) Level II Emergency Services Instructor by the completion of the first semester of school.
  4. Maintain a minimum of a State of Maryland EMT-B certification.
DURATION OF ELIGIBILITY: Candidates will be selected from a temporary register of eligibles which will become effective approximately four (4) weeks after the closing date. Once a selection has been made, the register will expire.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to show and verify authorization to work in the United States.

CLOSING DATE: Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m.Eastern Standard Time (EST) onJuly 25, 2014.



Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity in the Workplace
APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ON-LINE AT:
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Employment/Pages/default.aspx
EXAM #14-085-51-NM
INSTRUCTOR III - 14-085-51-NM
NM

INSTRUCTOR III - 14-085-51-NM Supplemental Questionnaire
 
*1.What is your highest level of completed education?
Checkbox High School
Checkbox Associate's Degree
Checkbox Bachelor's Degree
Checkbox Master's Degree
Checkbox Doctorate
*2.Do you possess two (2) years of professional experience in training or educational instruction?
Checkbox Yes
Checkbox No
*3.If you answered yes to the previous question, please indicate the dates of employment and how you obtained the experience.

*4.Which of the following certification(s) do you possess?
Checkbox EMT-B Instructor
Checkbox Fire Instructor
* Required Question

More Proof - Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives and Property - 5 Home Fires within 48 Hours

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO


Several house fires across Prince George’s County over the past weekend have disrupted the lives of many residents, however, no one was hurt.  There is no connection to any of these fires except that in 3 of these 5 incidents a working smoke alarm is credited with alerting the occupants of a fire.

On Friday morning, July 11, firefighters from Accokeek responded to a report from an alarm company that they were receiving an activated fire alarm coming from a home in the 3100 block of Bryan Point Road.  Upon arrival firefighters saw smoke inside the house and immediately took action.  No one was home at the time an a electrical appliance, a dehumidifier, malfunctioned and ignited a fire in the basement.  Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and limited fire loss estimates to $5,000.  With no one being home and without that smoke alarm the fire would have grown until a neighbor or passerby could see flames and smoke coming from the house.  No injuries occurred at this incident.

25th Avenue scene by Trevor James on Twitter
Later on Friday, at about 2:35 pm, a smoke alarm emitted a warning to occupants of a 1-story, with basement, duplex in the 6700 block of 25th Avenue in West Hyattsville.  Firefighters from the Chillum Fire/EMS Station were the first to arrive with heavy smoke issuing from the house.  A fire in the basement was located and extinguished.  The occupants, escaped unharmed after hearing the smoke alarms warning.  Two pets, a dog and a rabbit, were removed by firefighters and were not injured.  Fire loss is estimated at $20,000 and the cause remains under investigation.  9 adults, 2 children and 2 pets are displaced and are being assisted by the County Citizen Services Unit (CSU) and the American Red Cross (ARC).

Fire showing from roof of townhouse on Grenfell Pl.
Photo by Laura Bashoor
Just after 4:30 pm firefighters from the Bowie area operated at the scene of a townhouse fire in the 13900 block of Grenfell Place.  No one was home at the time of the fire.  It appears a fire started on the exterior rear of the house, extended up the rear wall bypassing any smoke alarms and sprinklers, and entered the attic.  Firefighters arrived with fire showing from the top floor.  A 2nd alarm was sounded bringing a total of about 75 firefighters to the scene.  The fire was extinguished with 30 minutes of arrival.  The family of 5 adults, 5 children and 1 dog are displaced and are being assisted by CSU and the ARC.  Fire loss is estimated at $200,000 and the cause is accidental3 of these 5 incidents resulted in a working smoke alarm. 

Just before 9:30 pm firefighters were alerted to a house fire in the 8700 block of 21st Place in Adelphi.  A malfunctioning gas dryer in the basement had ignited a fire, which activated a working smoke alarm.  Six adults and one child escaped safely and without injury thanks to the warning sounded by the alarm.  It took about 15 minutes to extinguish the fire with fire loss estimated at $15,000.  The family is displaced and being assisted by the CSU and ARC.

Fort Washington house well involved with fire.
Photo by Assistant Fire Chief S. White
An early morning fire destroyed a vacant 2-story house in Fort Washington.   The 2-story structure in the 200 block of St. Andrews Place was well involved upon arrival at about 5:30 Sunday morning with firefighters taking a defensive exterior position preventing the fire from extending to other structures.  This fire remains under investigation and fire loss is estimated at $250,000.









A working smoke alarm played a role in 3 of theses 5 incidents.  The early warning ushered all occupants out of burning structures without injury and allowed early notification to firefighters that arrived quickly, extinguished the fire and minimized the amount of fire loss.  With all occupants out of the structures and no reports of any humans trapped, firefighters focused their primary attention to extinguishing the fire.  Entire searches of the homes were conducted, however, without the urgency of searching for a trapped occupant.  This action reduced the risk of injury to firefighters.

Of the 3 incidents involving working smoke alarms, total fire loss is estimated at $40,000.  The 2 incidents where it is undetermined if a smoke alarm was present, fire loss is estimated at $450,000. 

Working smoke alarm incidents did result in the families being displaced, however, these will be short term.  The other 2 incidents will be long-term displacements.

Throughout all of these incidents, no injuries to civilians or any firefighters operating on the fire ground were reported.

Smoke alarms save lives, can reduce the amount damage your property suffers and the amount of time you will be displaced.  A working smoke alarm combined with a family escape plan increases the chances of you and your family surviving a home fire by over 50%.  A working smoke alarm, escape plan and a residential sprinkler system increase your chances of survival by over 80%.

The Fire/EMS Department highly recommends that families install a 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature smoke alarm on every level of your home (this will be a law effective January 1, 2015).  Test your alarm on the first day of every month to ensure it is working, additionally, design and practice a home escape plan identifying two ways out of every room in your home in addition to a meeting place outside.

A better option to installing just a smoke alarm is to purchase and install a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm with a 10-year tamper proof battery and install one on every level of your home and especially in areas where occupants sleep.  By doing so, you will be compliant with our CO law (effective July 1, 2014) and our new smoke alarm law requiring the 10-year style alarm by January 1, 2015 as well as providing the best protection possible for you and your family.  Visit your local hardware or home improvement store today.


Potential for Hazardous Weather Today - Stay Informed-Ready-Safe

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The weather forecast for Tuesday, July 15, includes the potential for strong to severe storms that could result in Flash Flooding.  

Here is today's Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service (NWS).

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING. THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND
GUSTS AND HEAVY DOWNPOURS THAT COULD LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLASH
FLOODING.

Anticipate the NWS to post warnings later today concerning thunderstorms and flash flooding.  Please keep informed about today's weather.  Monitor local media for updates.

For safety information on thunderstorms and lightening we want to refer you to our partners at FEMA, please, click here.


Flash Flood Facts...




Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall or a dam failure. Flooding is a longer-term event and may last a week or more.




Most flash flooding is caused by (1) slow-moving thunderstorms, (2) thunder-storms repeatedly moving over the same area or (3) heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.




Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges.




Densely populated areas have a high risk for flash floods. The construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground.




Water can erode the roadbed creating unsafe driving conditions.




Many flash floods occur at night when flooded roads are hard to see.




2 feet of water will float your car, truck or SUV!!! 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.




Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.




Underpasses can fill rapidly with water, while the adjacent roadway remains clear. Driving into a flooded underpass can quickly put you in 5-6 feet of water.




The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department wants you to stay safe during this potentially dangerous weather conditions.  Help us by helping yourself and heed warnings and safety tips.






Flash Flood Safety Tips...




Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.




If you come upon floodwaters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!!




Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.




If your car stalls in high water, DON'T PANIC, leave your car and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely and call 911.




Stay informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television.




STAY INFORMED - STAY READY - STAY SAFE!!!




Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser - July 22 at Franklins

Brad Paisley Pays Tribute to Firefighters with Song - Hails from a Firefighting Family!!!

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Brad Paisley has always been a favorite country performer but his popularity amongst firefighters just went red hot.  Who knew Paisley is part of a firefighting family??  Paisley's family includes firefighters starting with his father.  So he didn't need to go far for inspiration for a song about firefighters, "All In," is featured in the upcoming Disney Film, "Planes: Fire & Rescue." 


"My father's a firefighter," Paisley said in promotion for the children's film. "He was my whole life. And my brother-in-law and several family members are firefighters. I was really honored to pay tribute to them. I sat down after seeing a rough cut of the movie and it came to me very quickly." The entire Rolling Stone interview can be read by clicking here.

A recent USA TODAY article had these quotes from Brad;

"The movie is essentially a tribute to firefighters told through these planes," says Paisley, 41. "When John pitched the idea, he said it was a way of paying tribute to my dad. My brother-in-law is also a firefighter in Tennessee. These guys run toward the problem that everyone else is fleeing from."  Paisley's childhood in Glen Dale, W.Va., was dominated by the firefighter lifestyle. His father, 65, was the assistant chief of the local volunteer force and an emergency medical technician.

Firefighters were Paisley's heroes and he recalls the many visits to the station.
"My earliest memories are on these fire trucks," says Paisley. "There are more photographs of me from age 5 to 10 on these fire engines than there are photographs of me on birthdays."

Even on family vacations his father used to seek out the local fire department and ask to check out the trucks. Paisley says if he wasn't sidetracked by success as a musician in Nashville, he might have gone into the profession.

Being part of a firefighters family means you are part of an extended family of firefighters everywhere.  I often tell family members that if they ever get into a jam, wherever you are at, go to the nearest fire station.  Brad Paisley is already part of a firefighting family and is welcome anytime in Prince George's County, Maryland.  Brad - you have an open invitation to visit with our family of firefighters and ride along with us at any time.  

If things don't work out for you with singing, we have a spot for you here as a Fire Fighter in Prince George's County, Maryland. (:


Image from USA TODAY shows Paisley temporarily trading the cowboy hat for a fire helmet during a viewing of the upcoming Disney film "Planes: Fire & Rescue"



"All In" featured in the upcoming Disney film "Planes: Fire & Rescue"

Dedication of Fire Boat & Air Boat - Saturday

Retirement Celebration - Mark Thorn

POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER TODAY - STAY INFORMED!!!

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MEDIA CONTACT: MARK E. BRADY, CHIEF SPOKESPERSON, 240-508-7930
MEBRADY@CO.PG.MD.US     @PGFDPIO




The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Prince George's County and surrounding jurisdictions. There is a potential for sever weather this afternoon and evening.  


The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department urges everyone to take
appropriate measures to stay safe if sever weather does occur. Become familiar with how to stay safe and monitor local media reports for breaking weather news,


THE FOLLOWING IS THIS MORNINGS FORECAST FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
732 AM EDT SUN JUL 27 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE MARYLAND PORTION OF THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY...TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER...AND ADJACENT COUNTIES IN
CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY TODAY AND TONIGHT. THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE
CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND GUSTS...LARGE HAIL...ISOLATED
TORNADOES AND LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL THAT COULD LEAD TO FLASH
FLOODING. THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL
DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING HOURS.

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WATERS THIS AFTERNOON
AND EVENING. A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CONTINUES LATE TONIGHT FOR THE
MARYLAND CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM SANDY POINT TO SMITH POINT AND THE
LOWER TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER FROM COBB ISLAND TO SMITH POINT.



It is important that everyone monitors local media updates concerning the weather.

Keep your phones, tablets and laptops charged to capacity throughout today.

Take appropriate actions for safety before, during and after the storms.

Have your emergency kit prepared and ready.

For additional information on how to stay safe visit:

READY.GOV

The Weather Channel

Stay Informed - Stay Ready - Stay Safe!!!

McClelland is PGFD's Newest Deputy Fire Chief

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

James “Jim” McClelland, a longtime volunteer member will report to work this week at the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department Headquarters in Largo as a Deputy Fire Chief.  For the first time in many years, he will have both a new employer and title.

The largest and busiest combination—career, civilian and volunteer—system in the country, the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department has 45 stations and annually responds to more than 130,000 calls.  It employs over 800 firefighters, paramedics and civilians and has about 1600 volunteer members. 

Jim McClelland was appointed as Deputy Fire Chief by County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, and will head the Volunteer Services Command.  While this is a salaried position, he had been serving in a non-salaried position as Assistant Fire Chief and Volunteer Operations Commander for the Department.  He reported to both emergency and non-emergency scenes, where he commanded or assisted in the command of incidents.

McClelland was working at the University of Maryland but retired from there after accepting this appointment.  McClelland replaces Frank Underwood who was the first to be appointed as the Commander of the Volunteer Services and served nearly two years until his departure in 2013.  The position has remained vacant since that time. 

McClelland has been a member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department since October 1970, having served in a variety of capacities that include line officer, command officer, and executive officer.  He also served 14 years as Deputy Chief, 24 years as Chief, and President for 6 years.  Jim represents the third of four generations serving in the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.  In April 1991, he was appointed to the position of Volunteer Division Chief and Volunteer Major in December 2000.   

McClelland has served in other leadership roles within the County’s fire service, including 12 years as Vice Chairman of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Chiefs’ Council and 3 years as the Chairman.  He has also served on numerous committees, task forces and work groups and currently chairs the Communication Work Group and co-chairs  the 57th Avenue SIT Implementation Task.

In 2001, James McClelland was inducted into the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame and selected as the Maryland State Firemen’s Association “2003 Firefighter of the Year.”  

McClelland resides in Bowie, Maryland.

Emergency Services Award - Volunteer Deputy Chief Chris Saputo

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Christopher Saputo, a Volunteer Deputy Chief with the Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was presented with an Emergency Services Award today.  Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor presented the award to Saputo with Volunteer Chief John Roberts and station crew in attendance while at the Landover Hills Fire/EMS Station.

Saputo and Bashoor
Bashoor started the award presentation by telling Saputo,  “Congratulations on receiving a Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department Emergency Services Award.”

Volunteer Deputy Chief Saputo was awarded for his actions on Thursday, May 29, 2014, while returning from Maryland Shock Trauma; he was flagged down by bystanders requesting his assistance for a motor vehicle accident on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway just outside the City of Baltimore.  

He responded to find a male driver trapped inside a pickup truck that had veered off the road and into some trees.  Fire had spread from the engine compartment to the passenger area and the undercarriage.  Donning his personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, he approached the truck.  The victim was conscious and able to move his upper body, but his legs were pinned.  The vehicle’s damaged cab prevented Saputo from opening the doors.  Without the protection of a hose line and operating by himself, Saputo placed himself in harm’s way and continued efforts to rescue the victim.  However, the fully engulfed passenger compartment forced him to retreat.  Sadly, despite his valiant efforts and the fire department’s quick response and knockdown of the fire, the victim was declared deceased on the scene. 

Chief Bashoor closed by saying to Saputo, “For your performance on this incident, which demonstrated courage in the face of danger, you are hereby awarded a Fire/EMS Department Emergency Service Award.  Your actions reflect favorably on you, the Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department."


Landover Hills Volunteer Chief John Roberts, Vol. Deputy Chief Saputo and County Fire Chief Bashoor

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