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Sneak Peek at New PGFD Pink/Lavender Pumper

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

The reaction from citizens and residents across the region has been over whelminging positive to our fleet of pink fire and EMS units.  Prince George's County Firefighters and Paramedics have committed many hours to help raise the awareness and funds for a cure of Breast Cancer.  With the support of Fire Chief Bashoor, the Fire/EMS Department has committed to being proactive with awareness 365 days a year by keeping some of apparatus pink in color.  We have expanded our fleet of units from just one pink pumper to soon having 2 pumpers and a medic unit.

Our pink fleet has attended many cancer awareness events not only in Prince George's County but also across the region.  We are constantly receiving requests for our pink fleet to attend events and we strive to accommodate as many requests as possible.  Keep in mind that these are not reserve units, these are front line apparatus that respond to emergency calls every day.

One of the most commonly asked questions is why just the color pink??  There are many other forms of cancer that could also use some awareness to find a cure and to encourage people to have check-ups and tests.  Cancer in the fire service is also a matter of high concern and is one of the leading causes of death among current and retired firefighters.  We hear compassionate stories every day about all types of cancer and agree that all cancers need awareness.

While our membership remains committed to breast cancer which almost everyone can relate to either personally, family member, friend, co-worker, etc., our newest addition to the pink fleet, scheduled for delivery in the next couple of months, will have an additional color added that represents all cancers.

Lavender has been nationally accepted as the color to represent all cancers.  A lavender stripe has been added to the new Pierce Pumper which remains predominately pink.  "If just one person sees one of our pink fleet of apparatus either at an event or responding on a call motivating that person to have an annual check-up or reminds them to do a monthly self-check, than we have accomplished our goal," said Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor.  "We understand the immense responsibility we have accepted in promoting cancer awareness year round and it is a challenge we are willing to take on."

The image of our new pink pumper below shows the recently added lavender stripe.  This unit is still in production and is scheduled for delivery later this year.







CAO Majett Meets with Fire Chief and Reviews Apparatus

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

The recently confirmed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is making his rounds around the County to meet with agency directors.  The Fire/EMS Department landed on Mr. Nicholas A. Majett's calendar for Tuesday, July 29.   

On July 23, 2014, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Nicholas A. Majett to serve as the County’s CAO, which is the highest non-elected position in the  Executive Branch and has oversight responsibility for the operations of the government.

After meeting with Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and his Deputies at Fire/EMS Department Headquarters in Largo,  CAO Majett was provided the opportunity to review some of the Departments fleet of apparatus.

After CAO Majett's initial meeting with agency directors, it is anticipated he will be scheduling meetings with boards and commissions in the near future.

































Fire/EMS Department Participates in "Active Shooter" Exercise

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


On the morning of July 31, 2014, the Bowie Police Department, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, and other local agencies conducted an Active Shooter Drill at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie. Over 160 individuals participated in this exercise to practice police and fire/EMS response to a dangerous situation in a local school.

The drill simulated an active shooter at a public school and how the Bowie Police Department, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and other police departments, agencies, and first responders would react, communicate, and coordinate personnel and resources during such a fluid and chaotic event. 

The objective of this drill was to provide first responders an opportunity to utilize their training in a real time environment. “Drills such as these are critical not only for reinforcing tactical skills but for also providing a first-hand understanding of how large in scope and challenging an event like this will be. This drill will test everyone from the first officer on the scene to the supervisors trying to establish command and control of units and personnel from numerous jurisdictions.  We want to make sure that all of the potential players in this scenario are prepared, that the response is well coordinated, and that everyone is communicating effectively.  We are fortunate to have such a high level of partnership with all of the participating agencies” said Chief John Nesky of the Bowie Police Department. 

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor, who is pleased to have his department participate in the exercise said, “Embedding a crew of paramedics with a law enforcement entry team is a growing trend across the country and requires an overabundance of oversight and training.  We will use every opportunity to train to the point we can’t get it wrong.”

In addition to the Fire/EMS Department participants included the Bowie Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools Security Services, Prince George’s County Emergency Response System, Prince George’s County Homeland Security, Maryland State Police, Bowie State University Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and City of Bowie Park Rangers.

These images were captured by Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor just prior to the exercise starting.





 These images were captured by Fire Fighter/Medic Captain James Key who was an oberser/evaluator on the interior.







The following images were captured by Mark E. Brady and show command post and EMS activities outside.





















The following images were captured by Una Cooper, City of Bowie, during the exercise.









Fire Investigators Seeking Information on Beltsville Fire

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

The Prince George's County Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that occurred at 7610 Old Muirkirk Road, Beltsville Maryland 20705 on Wednesday, 7/30/2014 7:50:00 PM


Firefighters arrived to find fire inside of abandoned single family residence which has been abandoned for over 10 years.  Exterior extinguishment operations were utilized due to the structures stability and integrity being compromised.  One firefighter suffered a hand injury while on the scene performing emergency operations and was transported to Laurel Regional Hospital for treatment.

The fire cause appears to be suspicious and is currently under investigation.  Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact fire investigators by calling our arson tip line at 301-77-ARSON (227766).  Tips may be left anonymously. 








Safety First Day of the Month - August

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




Today is Safety First Day of the Month of August.  It is the day designated for residents to test their smoke  and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working.  If they are not working replace the battery or replace the entire alarm with a new 10 year, tamper proof, with hush feature alarm.  Our laws will require these type of alarms so you should replace your alarm now.

Test alarms - it may just be the difference between life and death.


We are encouraged by the number of home occupants that are safe today because of a working smoke alarm.  While it is unfortunate they have suffered property loss and required to find temporary residence - they are safe.  Over the past month we have had several success stories and we hope it continues, additionally, we hope everyone practices more fire safety at home.

In addition to having a working smoke/CO alarm always keep fire safety habits in mind.

Never leave food cooking unattended including your outdoor grill.
Never leave a candle burning unattended or overnight.
Never overload an extension cord and power strip - replace power strips every few years.
Never run an extension cord under carpet and furniture or place combustible items on top of them.
Keep outdoor grills at least 10 feet away from your house and other combustibles.
Discard of used charcoal properly - in a sealed metal container away from combustibles like your deck.
Dispose of cigarettes and other lighted materials properly - never flick or drop in grass or gardens.

These are just a few safety reminders to follow.  We have seen fires recently with these same causes.

REMINDER - As of July 1, 2014 every home that has a gas service, fireplace and/or an attached garage is required by law to have a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home.

REMINDER - as of January 1, 2015 all homes currently protected by a battery operated smoke alarm must upgrade to a 10 year, tamper proof, with hush feature smoke alarm.

Our recommendation is that you purchase and install a 10 year, tamper proof , with hush feature combination smoke and CO alarm and install them on every level of your home.

STATE POLICE TO MARK FULL-SERVICE MISSION OPERATION OF NEW AW-139 HELICOPTER "Trooper 2" IN DC METRO REGION

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Headquarters
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, Maryland
410.486.3101 / 800.525.5555
TTY 410.486.0677

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

STATE POLICE TO MARK FULL-SERVICE MISSION OPERATION
OF NEW AW-139 HELICOPTER IN DC METRO REGION

(LANHAM, MD) -- Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown will join Delegate Marvin E. Holmes Jr., Acting Co-Executive Director Patricia Gainer, of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System, and other state and local officials at FedEx Field to officially mark the commencement of full-service mission operation of the new AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopter in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  The pilots and flight paramedics who staff “Trooper 2” at the Washington Section have now been fully trained on the new aircraft.  They have begun flying the new helicopter around the clock on all Aviation Command missions. 
         In addition to the new AW 139 helicopter, other aircraft from allied law enforcement in the region will be on display.     

WHAT:       MARYLAND STATE POLICE ‘TROOPER 2’ MARKS
                  COMMENCEMENT OF FULL-SERVICE OPS IN AW-139

WHEN:       TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014  1:00 P.M.

WHERE:      FedEx Field
                  Club Level Suites
                  Adjacent to Parking Lot “D”
                  1600 FedEx Way
                  Landover, MD  20785 

CONTACT:Greg Shipley – Office of Media Communications – 410-653-4236

NBC 4 News Interviews DFC Barksdale About PGFD PINK PARAMEDIC UNIT

Juvenile Charged with Arson of Laurel House

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


Personnel from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Office of the Fire Marshal charged an individual with setting a fire to a vacant house in Laurel just days before.

At about 8:10 pm, Saturday, August 2, 2014, Firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 13700 block of Engleman Drive in Laurel.  Fire/EMS units arrived to find a vacant 2-story single family home with fire showing from an attached garage.  The fire was extinguished shortly after arrival.

Fire Investigators reported to the scene and determined the cause of the fire to be “incendiary.”

On August 4, personnel from the Office of the Fire Marshall charged a 16-year-old juvenile male with 1st Degree Arson, 2ndDegree Arson, Reckless Endangerment and Trespassing.

If found guilty, these charges potentially carry a maximum penalty in the juvenile court system that could keep this individual in a juvenile facility until his 21st birthday.

This case remains open as the investigation continues.

Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce and City of Bowie to Award Fire Chief & Firefighter/Medics

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

The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department was recently made aware that several members of our Department are scheduled to receive awards.   The City of Bowie Public Safety Committee and the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce have selected 4 members of our Department to receive their recognition at the Bowie Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon.  

Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor
Among the Fire/EMS Department recipients is County Fire Chief and Bowie resident Marc S. Bashoor.  Chief Bashoor will be presented with the prestigious "Leadership Award." A list of all recipients is below.  Also below is a form to purchase tickets to attend the awards luncheon.

Additional information from Bill Healy, City of Bowie Public Safety Committee;

It is my pleasure and honor to present to you this year’s recipients of the 2014 Public Safety Appreciation Awards scheduled for August 22, 2014. I like to first thank everyone for their support of our Public Safety awards luncheon. However, more importantly I want to extend my gratitude to all of you for the sacrifices and leadership that you provide to what I like to refer to as “Our Everyday Heroes” – the men and women of your Departments!
I have attached the registration form that those wishing to attend can use to purchase tickets. There is a discount price for public safety members and an additional discount if you wish to secure a table for your guests or purchase a sponsorship.
Once again, my appreciation to all and “thank you for your service, and may God watch over all of you and keep you and all our Police and Fire/EMS safe from harm!!”
2014 GBCC and PSC Public Safety Selections:
(Based on nominations received and selections by the Awards Committee)
Scot Lewis Award For Valor – Detective Wuthrich, Bowie Police Department
Mayor’s Award For Community Service – Councilwoman Ingrid Turner
Business Partnership Award – Target (Bowie)
Leadership Award – Chief John K. Nesky, Bowie Police Department
Leadership Award – Chief Marc S. Bashoor, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS
Meritorious Service Award Paramedic Captain Roland D. Berg, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS
            &
Meritorious Service Award – Fire Fighter/Medic Anthony L. Taylor – Prince George’s County Fire/EMS
Meritorious Service Award – Pfc. Christopher Yeager, Bowie Police Department
Meritorious Service Award – Cpl. Ryan Shifflett, Bowie Police Department
Meritorious Service Award – Corporal Michael Myerly, Prince George’s County Police Department
     &
Meritorious Service Award - Police Officer Alejandro Rivera, Prince George’s County Police Department
Distinguished Service Award – Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Cindy Loftus, Bowie Volunteer Fire Department
Distinguished Service Award – PFC David Redmond, Bowie Police Department
Distinguished Service Award – PFC Kwok Kam, Bowie Police Department
Distinguished Service Award – PFC Valencia Moss, Bowie Police Department
Distinguished Service Award – Corporal Brendan McGaffin, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office
      &
Distinguished Service Award – Duwan Lewis, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office
As usual, the PSC and GBCC will make a monetary contribution to HEROES our selected charity that supports family members of fallen police and fire/EMS. We hope to have Mrs. Doggett in attendance to receive this check and to be recognized for her outstanding support. If you are unaware of HEROES please click on the following and watch this short video.
Scot S. Lewis, who held the position as a  Bowie Volunteer Firefighter and a Metropolitan Police Officer who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty in the District and who we respectfully recognize by naming our most prestigious award in his memory. Scot’s name is forever  listed on the HEROES Roll of Honor and we are proud to have in attendance at the luncheon Scot’s family members to assist us with the presentation of this valor award.











Please join the
Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce & the
City of Bowie Public Safety Committee

In Celebrating the Annual
Bowie Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon
                                                                                                    
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
                                                                                           
Guest Emcee: Mr. Joe Aiello

Comfort Inn & Conference Center
4500 NW Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20716

COST:  $40 per person; $30 for active duty public safety officers.
Public Safety Officers Table of 8 - $200, includes recognition during the program and an 8” x 10” color photo of your group for each guest at your table.

************************************************************************************
Register to attend by Monday, August 11, 2014:

NAME:                                                                         COMPANY:                                                               

ADDRESS:                                                                                                                                                      

CITY/STATE/ZIP:                                                                                                                                           

PHONE:                                                             NO. OF GUESTS                       AMT. ENCLOSED:$          

PLEASE INDICATE LUNCHEON CHOICE:
Crab Cake Sandwich            or Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken & Soup                  

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
BRONZE $250– Two reserved seats at the event & recognition in the event program.
SILVER   $500 – Four reserved seats at the event, recognition in the event program & on the GBCC website.
GOLD      $1000 – Reserved table for eight guests, recognition in the event program & on the GBCC website, 8” x 10” color photo of your group for each guest at your table.

Please remit checks payable to GBCC to 2614 Kenhill Drive, #117, Bowie, MD 20715. 
Register online with credit card at www.bowiechamber.org

Please contact the GBCC at 301/262-0920 or info@bowiechamber.org for more information.

New Heights for PGFD Golden Girls

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

For the first time in the history of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, two of our female members very deservingly received the Department’s highest award presented to a member of the Department.    


Earlier this year, Fire Fighter/Medic Sara Shaffer and Fire Fighter/Medic Katherine “Katie” Johnson were honored at the Public Safety Valor Awards, with both receiving Gold Medals for life-saving actions performed while operating on separate incidents.  Subsequently, they were recognized as the Fire/EMS Department “Fire Fighter of the Year” and “Paramedic of the Year,” respectively. 

Fire Fighter/Medic Sara Shaffer

This month promises to be yet another significant and exciting period for the dynamic duo, starting with Sara, the American Legion’s selection for “National Firefighter of the Year.”  This comes as the result of her actions on the scene of an incident, which helped save the life of a fellow firefighter.  On August August 27, she will be recognized at the Annual National American Legion Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.   While the Fire/EMS Department has had several American Legion Award recipients at the State level, this is the first time a member of the Fire/EMS Department has ever been awarded at the National level.  County Fire Chief Bashoor plans to be in attendance at this prestigious awards ceremony.





Fire Fighter/Medic Katherine "Katie" Johnson
Katie, perhaps the fittest member of our Department will compete in the physically challenging “Firefighter Throwdown” competition.  The Firefighter Throwdown combines firefighters with the Sport of Fitness in a challenging athletic competition that requires overall strength, endurance and a tough spirit.  The event will be held in Dallas, Texas during the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Annual Convention; Fire and Rescue International (FRI).  The competition will take place August 15-16.  Johnson must pay her own way to Dallas to compete on behalf of Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.  Family, friends and co-workers donated over $1,200 to help offset Katie's out-of-pocket expenses.  She has vowed that any monetary awards she may receive will be donated to the Burn Foundation.





Congratulations to Sara Shaffer and best of luck to Katie Johnson.  Both represent the very best of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.
New Heights 


PINK MEDIC NICKNAME - After All is Said and Done - There is "HOPE"

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


On July 7, 2014, the day the new Pink PGFD Paramedic Unit was placed in-service, the Fire/EMS
Department announced a social media campaign to help select a nickname.  The response was over whelming.  Nickname suggestions poured in through Twitter, Facebook and Email.  There were 230 suggestions submitted with about 40 being eliminated for not meeting our professional standards.

The staff read many compelling and emotional stories behind nickname suggestions.  Many suggestions were based on a loved one’s name.  Names associated with someone currently suffering from breast cancer or had fought a brave and valiant battle but did not survive.  We read many hopeful stories about those that have survived and live to fight the battle for a cure.   We only wish we had as many pink units to name after every one of these people.  However, we think we have selected a nickname that everyone will agree is appropriate for our mission; awareness and a cure for cancer.

There was one nickname that was recommended more often than any other in our social media campaign.  The nickname fit our requirements of being one or two words and related to our efforts in raising awareness of breast cancer and other cancers as well.

In a survey of all nickname suggestions by a cross section of the Fire/EMS Department's career, civilian and volunteer membership one nickname was voted #1 by nearly 50% of the membership participating in the survey.

After reviewing the entire list of suggested nicknames and the resulting data, Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor declared the official nickname for the Pink Paramedic Unit stationed at the College Park Fire/EMS Station 812 is “HOPE.”

Chief Bashoor stated, “HOPE seems to encompass the mission of our cancer awareness efforts and finding a cure.  I feel the nickname is a perfect fit.”

The social media campaign proved to be very successful and the Department would like to thank everyone that cared enough to think of a name and joined in the competition.  Because there were a large number of people that submitted the nickname HOPE, we will award the official Pink PGFD work shirt to the person that submitted the name first.

The following nicknames were runner-ups to HOPE;

ROSE OR ROSIE

PINKAMEDIC

SURVIVOR

COURAGE

Watch Office Backpack Drive 2014

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Last week personnel staffing the Watch Office were challenged to come up with an idea to develop a relationship with a school in our County to work with students in need and perhaps get involved in a mentorship program.  

The challenge posed by Assistant Fire Chief Deeann Drake has certainly provided motivation and is working, but they need some help.  Since last Wednesday, the Watch Office has worked with our County's School Supervisor for student services in conducting a backpack and school supply drive for children who are in need of assistance, from those who are homeless to those in group homes and so on.  The Watch Office has collected 26 backpacks so far and are working hard for more donations.  Consider the donation of backpacks and school supplies in this worthwhile effort by our co-workers.


PGFD Chief Comments on Upcoming 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Walk

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Good Morning All

The PGFD Saturday September 13th fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is quickly approaching.  Dave Statter and Hillary Howard have once again agreed to emcee the days events for us.

For the 2nd year, the event will be held at the beautiful Gaylord Resort at the National Harbor on the Potomac River.

Remember – for those who are unable to climb, there is an alternative 5K fun walk along the water and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. You can easily register for either the climb or walk, or simply make a donation, at the following link...


Your support is critical in our efforts to raise funds supporting the NFFF.  There are currently just over 100 registrants.  We hope to reach at least 443, which represents ALL of the emergency responders who perished on Sept 11, 2001.

The first 343 (the # of FF's killed) who register will receive the limited edition event challenge coin AND complimentary lunch at the Pienza Cafe inside the Gaylord Hotel.

Please join me and my family climbing (or walking) on September 13, 2014 - take a moment now to make a difference.  Thank you.


More information in the PGFD climb, and all of the NFFF events is available here:  


Marc Bashoor, Fire Chief
Prince George's County, Maryland
Fire/EMS Department
9201 Basil Ct, Suite 452
Largo, MD 20774

9-11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Walk - PGFD Info

Firefighter Throwdown from IAFC - "These ladies are true athletes, happy they let me tag along."

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

Results are in from Dallas, Texas where the "Firefighter Throwdown" was held last week during the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) - Fire/Rescue International (FRI) Annual Convention.  All we can say is that the entire Department is "PGFD PROUD" for Prince George's County Fire Fighter/Medic Technician Katie Johnson.  She placed a respectable 7th position overall against some pretty fierce competitors.

Katie Johnson commented on her competition, "Great group of female firefighters in competition. These ladies are true athletes, happy they let me tag along." (Johnson in green shirt)
Katie, perhaps the fittest female member of our Department competed in the physically challenging “Firefighter Throwdown” competition.  The Firefighter Throwdown combines firefighters with the Sport of Fitness in a challenging athletic competition that requires overall strength, endurance and a tough spirit.  The competition was held August 15-16.  

There are more images and comments from Katie on her Facebook page.

The short movie clips by Ben Barksdale, Deputy Fire Chief







These images were captured by Chief Billy Goldfeder






Unidentified photographer from Katie's Facebook page.





WJLA/News Channel 8 Coverage of Six Flags Incident of August 10

FOX 5 Coverage of 6 Flags Incident of August 10

NBC 4 News Raw Video of Six Flags Incident of August 10

WUSA 9 News Coverage of Six Flags Incident of August 10

Video Account of 57th Avenue Report

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