“2010 National Emergency Technician of the Year" Award Belongs to PGFD Fire/Medic Lieutenant

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

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Flanagan is a 10-year member of the Department and is currently assigned to the Berwyn Heights Fire/EMS Station 814 and is the VFW's  “2010 National Emergency Technician of the Year."

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department received notification that one of our members has been selected to receive a very prestigious award. The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) chose Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant George F. Flanagan, III as their organization’s “2010 National Emergency Technician of the Year.” Flanagan was selected at the local and state level, as well. This is the first time a member of our Department has won at the national level.


Lieutenant Flanagan is being recognized for rescuing a 4-year-old child from her burning Hyattsville apartment in February 2010. On the day of the rescue, he and several other firefighters were the first to arrive on the scene of an apartment fire on Toledo Place. Crews located and removed the child’s father while Lieutenant Flanagan located the young girl and removed her from the apartment that was charged with thick smoke and intense heat. As one team of firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, other firefighters removed the two victims and assisted paramedics in their treatment and transport to the hospital. Tragically, the father succumbed to his injuries; the young girl, however, has since made a full recovery.

Upon being told of his award, Flanagan stated, “I am honored to have been selected for this award, and I accept it on behalf of my crew that day and for the paramedics who did everything they could do to save the father and daughter. This rescue was a team effort.”

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Flanagan will receive his award at a ceremony in March 2011.

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick and were left to care for themselves, as there was no medical care or veterans' pension for them.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

Annually, the 2.1 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary contribute more than 11 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Flanagan is a 10-year member of the Department and is currently assigned to the Berwyn Heights Fire/EMS Station 814.