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PGFD Fire Chief Reflects on His Time with Carla D. Blue

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Retired Lieutenant Colonel Carla Blue was involved in a tragic motor vehicle collision that took her life Saturday morning. Carla and I worked along side each other for many years during the 1990's and 2000's.  Carla's work ethic and dedication to her profession, her faith and her family were commendable and a testament to her success as the first African American female to attain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the PGFD.  

In addition to working with Carla, I had the distinct pleasure of hiring Carla's son Jamar as a firefighter in Career Recruit School #46 in 2012. Jamar is currently assigned to station 831 and continues to serve his moms legacy of service above self.

Please continue to keep Jamar and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

The services and burial information for Retired Deputy Fire Chief Carla Blue are listed below - dress uniform is appropriate. Should you have any additional questions about the services or the Departments response, contact Executive Officer Assistant Fire Chief Alan Doubleday at ACDoubleday@co.pg.md.us

Viewing and Funeral Service
Tuesday September 29, 2015.  
Mt Ennon Baptist Church
9832 Piscataway Rd, Clinton Md.
  
Viewing 10:00am 
Service 11:00am
Burial immediately following at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery

Marc Bashoor, Fire Chief
Prince George's County Fire/EMS
9201 Basil Ct. #452
Largo, MD 20774
(O) 301-883-5200

NBC 4 News Story on Carla D. Blue

OPEN HOUSES and FIRE PREVENTION EVENTS

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When it comes to smoke alarms, it’s about “location, location, location”.
The key message of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 4-10, is to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms. 

NFPA is excited to share this important information so everyone better understands the life-saving value of home smoke alarms. Visit NFPA's "Smoke Alarm Central" for more information.

Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Open House Locations
(This list will be updated as additional events are scheduled)

St. Joe's Fire/EMS Station, 2901 St. Joseph's Drive, Springdale
Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 11, 12 Noon until 3:00 pm
Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Association - 11900 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale
Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 4, 12:00 Noon until 4:00 pm
Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department - 6200 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville
Open House/Kid's Fire Safety Adventure Course, Saturday, October 10, 10:00 am until 1:00 pm
Branchville Volunteer Fire Co. & Rescue Squad, Inc. - 4905 Branchville Road, College Park
Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 11, Times TBD
Bowie Volunteer Fire Department - 15454 Annapolis Road, Bowie
31st Annual Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 18, 11:00 am until 4:00 pm



Funeral Services for Deputy Fire Chief Carla D. Blue (retired)

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Carla D. Blue, Deputy Fire Chief


Viewing and Funeral Service
Tuesday September 29, 2015.  
Mt Ennon Baptist Church
9832 Piscataway Rd, Clinton Md.
  
Viewing 10:00am 
Service 11:00am
Burial immediately following at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery

Carla D. Blue - Trailblazer  - PGFD History

Appointment to Fire Fighter position on 10/09/89

Promoted to Fire Fighter II – 2/10/91
Promoted to Fire Lt. – 1/1/93
Promoted to Fire Captain – 11/23/97
Promoted to Battalion Chief – 2/24/02
Promoted to Fire Major (Assistant Fire Chief) – 12/14/03
Appointment to Deputy Director (Deputy Fire Chief) – 8/30/05

Retirement - effective 10/31/09

Carla D. Blue was assigned to the Director of Public Safety in the Office of the County Executive, she  served as the principle special assistant from 1998 to February 2003, providing logistical and administrative support to the County Executive and the Chief Administrative Officer.

In March 2003 Battalion Chief Blue was assigned to the Chief Administrative Officer for the County  who was serving as DCAO for Public Safety.

She demonstrated exemplary service In co-chairing the administration of the newly formed Office of Homeland Security, her administrative leadership allowed the County to experience a seamless transition from Task Force Recommendations through opening an on-going operations of a newly created agency.



NFFF Invites Firefighters to Participate in Flag Ceremony at US Capitol

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The annual tribute to our nation’s fallen firefighters will begin against the backdrop of the United States Capitol on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 pm. Leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will present 87 American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). These flags will be given to surviving relatives at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 4 in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
There is a large need for personnel to participate in the actual ceremony and for this reason we need to make sure we have the numbers needed. We are in the process of finalizing the details for that event and it is VERY IMPORTANT that we get an accurate count of how many attendees we will have on site. 
If you are available on Wednesday to participate in the program, please e-mail me at enagle@firehero.org for additional details and so I can maintain a count and send you additional information regarding posting time, walk through details, etc.


PGFD 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb/5K Run-Walk was a Huge Success

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

For the fifth time in as many years the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department hosted a 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Walk/Run to honor the 343 Line-of-Duty Deaths that occurred in New York and to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).  The Foundation honors firefighters line of duty deaths, provides support to the survivors as well as offering programs to prevent firefighter deaths.

The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climbs are not timed race events, but a way for firefighters and the community to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live.  Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows that we will never forget. The proceeds of these events help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support fire service survivors. Your support of the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb events provides assistance to the surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

On Saturday, September 12, 2015, despite some rain, hundreds of climbers/walkers showed up by 8:00 am to share in the opening ceremonies and begin their climb or walk at around 8:46 am.  The Department was honored to have Hillary Howard (WTOP and It’s Academic) and her husband Dave Statter (Statter911.com) serve as the Master of Ceremonies once again for this year’s event.  The event was held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County.  Gaylord Resort provided a lunch to workers and participants as well as going above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate everyone due to the rainy weather.

There were a total of 540 registered climbers and walkers.  498 utilized the on-line registration and 42 signed up on the morning of the event.  The number of participants showed an increase of 110 compared to 2014 event.  Funds generated from registration were $35,992.  Add in another $25,000 generated from fill the boot drives, 50/50 raffle, sponsorships and on-line donations our gross total was around $61,000.  An increase of $27,000 raised in 2014.  Of particular note is the current firefighter recruit school class that raised over $12,000 in donations by themselves.

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor stated, “Our combined efforts and hard work has honored the fallen firefighters of 9-11 and benefited the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  I commend and thank everyone involved and have already started planning next years event.”

There are numerous 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb events that are held across the Country every year.  Based on the amount of funds raised for the NFFF the Prince George’s County event will place within the top three events, perhaps even the #1 spot, of the year.

The Department was honored to have Hillary Howard (WTOP and It’s Academic) and her husband Dave Statter (Statter911.com) serve as the Master of Ceremonies once again for this year’s event.










The 5K Run-Walk was moved into a parking garage due to the rain.







Kitten Rescued by Ambulance Crew

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

On Wednesday, September 23, while the volunteer crew of PGFD Ambulance 899 was finishing up  paperwork after a transport to Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham they overhead staff talking about a kitten that was stuck in the parking garage.  Before leaving the hospital, the crew of Janet DeMeritt and Rajah Rose went to the parking garage to see if they could provide some assistance. 

They found a nurse who had tracked the kitten’s cry for help.  She was unable to reach the trapped kitty and was relived that help had arrived.  The crew of DeMeritt and Rose could barely see the kitten in a confined space between a concrete support beam and the concrete wall.  The small kitten was only being supported by a piece of metal rebar that prevented it from falling several feet to the concrete below.

The ambulance crew used Jan’s petite hands to reach into the small opening as Rose was able to negotiate a small rigid arm splint underneath the kitten.  After some maneuvering and dealing with a scared kitten the pair was able to lift the kitten to safety.

A member of the hospital staff was going to take the kitten home.


Job well done for having the initiative and ingenuity to help to DeMeritt and Rose.

If you look close enough you can see the face of a small kitten
that was trapped in  a confined space of a parking garage
DeMeritt and Rose pause for a photo with hospital staffer
that will care for rescued kitten


NASA Goddard Haz-Mat Incident

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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 Department's Hazardous Materials Team responded as part of a full box assignment to NASA Goddard in Greenbelt just before 2:00 pm, Monday, September 28.  A chemical reaction had occurred when nitric acid was combined with water.  The worker stated there was sudden heat from within the container and a vapor cloud.

NASA Building #11 was immediately and orderly evacuated of all employees.  The haz-mat team was briefed by PGFD HM Coordinator Craig Black before donning protective gear and entering the hot zone.  Has-Mat techs found negative readings and the container with product still intact.

The building was ventilated by firefighters before NASA officials were allowed to re-enter the building.  The four haz-mat techs were decontaminated and had vitals signs recorded before Incident Command gave the all-clear around 4:00 pm.

Images and video by Mark E. Brady, PGFD PIO































































































PGFD Tips for Before the Storm

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO



BEFORE THE STORM:


An approaching storm system could impact our normal way of life over the next several days.  "Joaquin" became a hurricane on Wednesday, September 30.  Forecasters have the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coasts as potential landfall over the weekend or early next week.  If this storm has a direct impact on our area or not it will still bring heavy rains and high winds.

Much of our area has already been saturated with rains on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  The potential for tree falls and power outages will be high.  Today is a good time to prepare yourself and keep some good common sense tips at the forefront of your preparations.

Stay informed by monitoring local news broadcasts on TV and radio as well as reliable news  Internet sites about approaching weather.  Sign up to ALERT - Prince George's and receive important news and storm updates on your mobile device.  Follow @PGFDPIO on Twitter,  www.PGFDNEWS.com  and PGFD Facebook for up to the minute Fire/EMS news and safety advice.  Have all mobile devices fully charged before and during the storm.

Have your emergency kit prepared, stocked and ready.  For additional information on what should be in your kit go to: www.ready.gov

Your emergency kit should include a battery operated radio and flashlights.  We do not recommend the use of candles during power outages.

Ensure your Smoke alarm and CO detector are tested and have fresh batteries.

Consider purchasing bags of ice that can be stored in your freezer.

Ensure your cell phones, lap tops and tablets are completely charged.

Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.

Consider having a quantity of cash on hand in the event that ATM's and banks are out of power.

Remove any objects in your yard that could become airborne during periods of high winds.  Secure larger items by tying them down.

Clean and clear your storm and outdoor basement drains of any debris that could clog and back up rain water.

Management companies should safely inspect their rooftops to ensure all gutters and roof top drains are clear and clean up any debris that will clog drains when it rains.  Pooling water on roof tops could cause water damage inside and cause a possible collapse.

Stay ready to take quick actions in the event of severe weather including remaining indoors and going to the lowest possible level or floor and if possible in a room with no windows. Have your emergency kit ready. 

Check with your work location on what is the plan and notification for cancellations.

Set up a communications plan with family members and friends.  Remember that "texting" has been more reliable then cell phone calls and emails during times of high usage and outages.

If you have a generator - follow manufacturer's instructions on how to use it safely, position it far enough away from your residence to avoid CO finding it's way inside, refuel after cool-down, use approved outdoor heavy-duty extension cords that are free of any rips and tears.

Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe.  Don't panic, stay calm and prepare.

Strength, Agility, Endurance, Mental and Physical Toughness - PGFD Iron Team

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

For the second consecutive year an all-female team was formed to compete in the 6th Annual County Police Iron Team Endurance Competition.  The team consisted of two members of the Fire/EMS Department, a police officer and a hope-to-be Fire/EMS Department member currently participating  in the hiring process.  Team members included Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Katie Johnson, Fire Fighter Anna Pazmino, Police Officer, 1st Class Teresa Murphy and Brittany Forker.  The team started early this morning at Suplee Lane Park in Laurel.  Hundreds of law enforcement members from SWAT/Military/Police agencies from around the region competed in the Iron Team Event.  The image below shows the events that each team must complete.

Prince George's County Firefighter/Medics working at nearby stations in Laurel and Calverton were able to stop by and cheer the team on.  There was also several Firefighter/Medics at the event working the first aid station.

Fire Fighter Pazmino stated after the team had concluded today, "Iron Team is by far the hardest challenge I've ever competed in, in my life! And I'm so happy and proud to share the experience with these girls!  Each of us has our strengths and our weaknesses but together we were able to finish and that's the most important part!   Thank you to the many people who came out to support us!!! We truly appreciate it!

I stopped by the competition this morning and witnessed several evolutions of our all-female and other teams.  This was not fun and games time.  I was amazed at the number of competitors and the level of competition.  It was amazing to witness the competition with each evolution proving extremely challenging for all the teams.  The strength, agility and endurance required throughout the day demonstrated the mental and physical toughness required of our competitors.  To have competed and completed this endurance challenge is a remarkable feat itself.  Congratulations!!!



Pazmino, Johnaon, Murphy and Fork 




 




Crew from Calverton payed a visit to cheer on our team












































PGFD FLASH FLOODING SAFETY ADVICE

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

An approaching storm, Joaquin, is approaching and forecasted to impact our weather over this week and weekend.  Regardless of where it makes landfall the storm will bring heavy rains and high winds.  Driving conditions will be treaties and we advise to limit your driving and curtail all driving during periods of adverse weather.

To prepare yourself before the storm rolls into the County, heed this PGFD Safety Advice.

Please become familiar with what a Flash Flood is and advice to stay safe.





Safety Advice 






Precautionary/preparedness actions: A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.




A Flash Flood Warning means that flash flooding is occurring and that conditions are present that flash flooding is likely to occur.



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, television or Internet.

PGFD Safety First Day of the Month - October

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

Today is October 1, 2015, the "Safety First Day of the Month." Having a working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm could be the difference in life or death - yours and your family.  Today is the day that the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department has designated for everyone to test their smoke and CO alarms.  It's simple:

PGFD Press to Test

Press the TEST button on the front cover of your smoke and CO alarm.

An audible beeping noise SHOULD sound.  If it does, congratulations, your done until next month.

If it does not sound an audible alarm - replace the battery.  Push the TEST button again - still no alarm - remove the alarm and immediately replace with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature smoke or CO alarm or better yet a 10-year combination smoke/CO alarm.

If your alarms are at about 10 years old or you don't remember if you ever replaced the alarm, do it today!!!  Smoke and CO alarms work all day - every day and will wear down over their 10 year service life.

County Law requires a working smoke alarm in your home.  Over the next two years the law will continue to evolve to require a working 10-year smoke alarm on every level of your home, primarily outside of sleeping areas.

County Law currently requires a working CO detector on every level of your home, primarily, outside of sleeping areas.  This law includes all homes with a gas service (natural, propane, oil, etc), a fireplace or an attached garage.  This law also requires that all hotels, motels, dormitories and all apartments and condos have working CO alarms.

Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes a challenge to reach your alarms installed on your ceiling or high on the wall.  Perhaps you use a step-ladder or stand tall on your toes to reach the test button.  Think about your senior citizen neighbors and relatives that may have difficulty even reaching a light switch.  Test their alarms for them every month, change their batteries at least once-a-year and contact 311 for them if they need a new 10-year smoke alarm installed by firefighters, free of charge.

Don't wait for a firefighter to knock on your door.  If you need a working smoke alarm and can not afford to purchase one, call 311 and ask about the free smoke alarm program.

While members of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department promote fire prevention year round, October is the month we provide extra emphasis.  Fire Prevention Week is in the month of October as well.  This years theme is; "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep."


Keep your family safe with a working smoke alarm in every bedroom.

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep? 
Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

The Fire/EMS Department, in cooperation with the Prince George's Sentinel and the First Tee Golf Program, are holding a Fire Prevention Poster Contest.  Read this article for additional details.

The Sentinel teams up with the PG Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week

shawnmarkThe Prince George’s County Fire Department and The Prince George’s Sentinel are teaming up to ask county residents to install smoke alarms in their homes in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.
This year the fire department will recognize Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 4 through 10, with a theme of “Hear the beep where you sleep.”
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, a notorious blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres on Oct. 8 and 9 in 1871. Forty years after the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary should be used as an occasion to raise awareness about the importance of fire prevention.  
“It’s required in Prince George's County to have a smoke alarm on each floor of your house, as well as in the basement and attic area,” said Mark Brady, spokesman for the Prince George’s County Fire Department. “If a resident of Prince George's County is in need a smoke alarm, the county will provide a free one.”
According to the United States Fire Administration, each year there are an estimated 405,000 fires in residential structures, which cause nearly 3,600 fatalities, 18,600 injuries, and $4.7 billion in property loss.
According to the fire department, there have been several fires this year in Prince George's County where smoke alarms have saved residents’ lives.
"This year there has been 24 house fires where county residents have been saved by smoke alarms,” said Brady. "Last year in 2014, there were 36 house fires where smoke alarms alerted residents of a fire and they were able to get out safely.” 
To help spread the word regarding smoke alarms, The Sentinel and the fire department will sponsor a poster contest for elementary school students in Prince George’s County. Students may design a poster depicting how fire alarms save lives, or demonstrate an example of a fire safety plan for their home and where to place smoke detectors.
Students may submit their contest entries at their local fire house or by emailing The Sentinel at editor-pg@thesentinel.com between Sept. 30 and Oct. 10. The winner will have their photo in the paper and will receive a one-year membership at the First Tee Program.
The First Tee of Prince George’s County offers golf programs and instruction, which focus on developing life skills using the game as its vehicle. The First Tee of Prince George’s Chapter was established in 2001 and is operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the Department of Parks and Recreation. This award is provided courtesy of the Chapter at the Paint Branch Golf Complex in College Park.
Posters will be judged by Prince George's County Fire Department officials and The Sentinel.
Several Prince George's County Volunteer Fire Departments will be holding fire prevention open-house programs. The Branchville Volunteer Fire Department at 4905 Branchville Road in College Park will host theirs on Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free fire trucks rides and other actives will take place. 
In November it's "Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery or Change Your Entire Alarm" to a 10-Year Model!!!!

PGFD Promotions Announced

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Congratulations are in order for the following individuals.  
Their promotions will be effective October 18, 2015.

Promoted to rank of Fire Fighter/Paramedic Captain


Brian F. Dougherty
Christopher M. Ferrara
Benita T. Dawson
Dwight Z. Rollins
Daniel K. Frost
John L. Wiseman

Promoted to the rank of Fire Fighter/Paramedic Technician

Denise M. Boggs
David B. Snyder
Shaun M. Love
Damion R. Duncan
Donald A. Degraves





Mark E. Brady
Chief Spokesperson/PIO
@PGFDPIO

FOX 5 Coverage of PGFD Storm Preparation

Glenn Dale Fire Association Fire Prevention & Life Safety Open House


Tanya Snyder, Redskins Kick Off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with PGFD "Courage"

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Tanya Snyder, Redskins Kick Off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted Oct 4, 2015
The Washington Redskins officially kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday with a variety of initiatives for their game against the Eagles.
Tanya Snyder, wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, remembers photos from 17 years ago with the volunteers of Zeta Tau Alpha, pinning on pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, helping start the NFL’s league-wide mission.
Sunday morning -- several hours before the beginning of the Redskins-Eagles game -- that momentum continued, with more than 300 ZTA members gathering together for a few photos before spreading out and offering pink ribbons to fans entering FedExField.


VIEW GALLERY | 25 Photos

“This is influencing these young ladies that are here, being able to reach out and touch our fans,” Snyder said. “Today’s a very important football game, but it’s also extremely important to get the message out.”
The message involved “A Crucial Catch,” in partnership with the American Cancer Society, a league-wide mission that is focused on the importance of regular breast cancer screenings.
Throughout October, NFL games will continue to feature players, coaches, and referees wearing pink game apparel to help raise awareness for the campaign. During the morning, Snyder, along with the volunteers, made sure they did their part, handing out ribbons and interacting with women who, like herself, had battled and beaten breast cancer.
“It does have an impact on these 300 girls that are here and their future families,” Snyder said. “And this is my next generation who is with me, from the time they were really young, [and] have been doing this as well. So, I’m really proud.”
Snyder then made a visit to the eighth annual All-Star Survivors Celebration, a festive tent of pink that catered to 31 local women currently battling with breast cancer. Each of the women, who posed for photos with cheerleaders and received lunch, represented the 31 days of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The All-Stars received new jeans as well as new wigs, scarves and a Redkins gift bag along with a custom-made Redskins jersey.
The celebration ended right as the game began, with Snyder participating as an Honorary Captain for the coin toss at mid-field.
“We are making a difference in the community,” She said. “We are getting the message out there; I hear stories every day from our fans, from being able to work with survivors while they’re actually going through it and learning about that and letting them know that the money raised for American Cancer Society, 32 teams are donating money for screenings and we are effecting lives out there. Proud is a humble word, but these girls again made it happen, one ribbon at a time and one person at a time, and I’m so proud.”
# # #
The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department was honored to have our pink engine "Courage" present at Fed Ex Field for the opening of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The pink engine is stationed in Capitol Heights and is one of three pink pieces the Department has.  The crew of Lt. Rob Kight, Fire Fighter Tavon Scott and Fire Fighter Jay Johnston brought "Courage" to the stadium for opening festivities and pictures.  For additional information about the PGFD Pink Pumper Courage, click here.

Mark E. Brady
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department
Chief Spokesperson/PIO
These images were captured by Lt. Rob Kight












These images were captured by Fire Fighter Tavon Scott












 These images were captured by Fire Fighter Jay Johnston


















Good Fire Safety Habits We Can Live With

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO
Regionally, two recent house fires in Reston, VA and Waldorf MD communities occurred that have claimed lives and injured occupants.  Both occurred while residents were sleeping.  While the investigation into these two tragic incidents are on-going it highlights the need for everyone to review some basic fire safety habits.
  • Have a working 10-year smoke alarm on every level of your home and in every bedroom.
  • Design and practice an escape drill from your home.  Identify 2 ways out of every room and a safe meeting place outside.  Practice your plan, at least twice a year, when you test your smoke alarms on the first day of every month.  Sadly many residential fire related fatalities involve our senior and our youngest family members.  Often this is due to mobility challenges and not knowing what to do in an emergency.  Plan and Practice escape drills.
  • As we transition into colder weather and less daylight, use space heaters safely providing a safety area of 3-feet from anything that can burn and never leave space heaters or candles burning unattended.
  • Now is a good time to call a HVAC Technician to have them check your heating system and have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected.


Fire Departments around the region have been conducting fire prevention open houses throughout the month of October.  Our theme this year is to Hear the Beep Where you Sleep to encourage residents to install 10-year smoke alarms just outside of sleeping areas and one in each bedroom as well.

Fire Safety is a year-round project and should always be included in your everyday life.

This upcoming weekend Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci is encouraging firefighters to go our into the community and promote fire safety.  There are two fire prevention open houses this weekend that residents are encouraged to attend and bring their children.  These open houses are as follows:

31st Annual Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 18, 11:00 am until 4:00 pm

Open House and Fire Prevention Day - Sunday, October 18, 12:00 Noon until 4:00 pm

On Saturday, October 24, volunteer and career firefighters from Bowie will be going door-to-door in the Old Town community to check for working smoke alarms and provide fire safety information to residents.  Don't wait for a firefighter to knock on your door - test smoke alarms today and if they don't work - replace with a new 10-year alarm available at home improvement stores.

As I mentioned before, our days are getting colder and shorter.  They are about to get even colder and shorter and families need to be prepared as it is no secret that fires occur more frequently in colder weather.  Daylight Saving Time will end Sunday, November 1, 2015 and we will change our clocks back one hour.  It is this time of year that we must insist that when you change your clocks to change the battery in your smoke and CO alarms, better yet, upgrade to a new 10-year, tamper proof with hush feature alarm and never change a better again.



PGFD Strategic Apparatus Replacement Program

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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/EMS Department continues to receive deliveries, implementing a strategic apparatus replacement program.  The most recent arrivals include 12 ambulance/paramedic transport units to be distributed to various stations around the County.  These transport units are part of the 3rd year receipts, out of the overall ten year strategic plan for all county-owned apparatus replacement.

Since 2011, the Department has now added 36 ambulances, with an additional 13 ambulances now on order, programmed for calendar year 2016 delivery.  The replacement of these 49 units amounts to approximately ½ of the existing County’s ambulance fleet.  The strategic plan seeks to continue replacing ambulances at the rate of 15 per year.  The cost of a new ambulance/medic transport unit is approximately $230,000 each.

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In addition to the 36 ambulances received, the PGFD has added/replaced nine (9) engines, three (3) ladder trucks, one (1) heavy-duty rescue squad, and has replaced the majority of the command vehicle fleet.  In addition to the 13 ambulances on order, there is one (1) tower-ladder, one (1) hazardous materials squad, one (1) rehabilitation unit, and one (1) rehabilitation support unit on order with delivery expected on all units in calendar year 2016.  In addition to the County apparatus, Volunteer Fire Company Corporations continue to replace volunteer-owned apparatus through fundraising and with State funds administered through the Fire Commission.  During the same time frame Volunteer Corporations have replaced nine (9) engines, one (1) ladder truck, one (1) tower-ladder, 1 engine-tanker, 1 rescue squad and 10  ambulances.  Two (2) additional engines and 1 additional ambulance are on order.

In 2011, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor presented County Executive Rushern Baker and the County Council with a proposal to not only replace aging County-owned apparatus, but to also resolve long-term purchase decisions  keeping the fleet in a continuous state of readiness.  The plan included a “branding” change from white to red equipment with the new Department motto “Safety First, Everyone Goes Home”, and the ‘marking’ of all new administrator and Chiefs vehicles.  County Executive Baker remarked, “Public Safety is and has been a cornerstone of this administration.  The men and women of the Fire/EMS Department, who put themselves in harms way and risk their lives to save others every day, deserve the best and most effective firefighting and medical transport equipment we are able to purchase.  I am proud of the progress we have made to provide our firefighters and paramedics with state of the art equipment.”

Chief Bashoor said, “I am thankful to the County Executive Baker, the Office of Management and Budget staff, and to the County Council for ensuring our strategic plan could come to fruition.  Without all of their support, this would not have been possible.  I look forward to continuing to fulfill the strategic plan, placing the Department on level footing for years to come.”








Images from a recent PGFD Fire Prevention Open House at St. Joes

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

The task of community risk reduction is a year round job for Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department.  Providing fire safety and injury prevention information is a staple of our community outreach programs and during the month of October we highlight the services we provide.  Fire/EMS Stations open their stations and provide demonstrations to entertain and educate.  Firefighters know that a visit to a local fire station can last a lifetime and ideally leave a positive impression well after their visit.

The St. Joe's Fire/EMS Station in Largo held their Fire Prevention Open House on October 11 and hosted around 100 visitors.  Firefighter/Medics, High School Cadets and the Departments Community Outreach office provided a variety of displays and demonstrations that were well received.

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Steve Tabak documented a majority of the days activities with images provided to you today.  If you have any questions about our fire prevention activities and community risk reduction efforts feel free to call 301-883-5250 or email TACrisman@co.pg.md.us



























PGFD Sixth Battalion Drill on the Basics

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

On Wednesday, October 14th the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department 6th Battalion conducted a drill at the Beltsville Fire/EMS Station.  Battalion Chief Phil Bird invited all the stations in the battalion to the drill which covered the basics; laying out at the hydrant, donning all personal protective equipment including breathing air, advancing a hose line, forcible entry, throwing ladders, charging and flowing the hose lines.  Firefighters from Laurel Fire 810, Laurel Rescue 849, Calverton 841, Berwyn Heights 814 and host Beltsville 831 participated in the drill.  Crews performed several evolutions ensuring personnel had the opportunity to perform as an engine company or special service.  A door prop was used to demonstrate skills in forcible entry.

No drill is complete without a critique.  Crews gathered with everyone provided the opportunity to give feedback, positive and negative, about the exercise.  The drill was completed with lunch provided by Pizza Boli's in Beltsville.

Thanks to Fire Fighter/Medic Captain Brandon Wood for organizing the drill and Beltsville Volunteer Chief Matt Tomlins for his cooperation with the drill.



























































































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