New Heights for PGFD Golden Girls

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