PGFD Prepares for Busy Weekend


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

Members of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department are preparing for a busy weekend and it has nothing to do with responding to nearly 400 calls for service every day.  The weekend after Labor Day in the County has always been busy with events, games and community outreach.  All of these events are open to the public and everyone is welcome to spend some time with your career, civilian and volunteer members of the Fire/EMS Department.  Some of these events require an admission charge, please, check the event websites for additional information.

From September 6th through 9th the Annual Prince George’s County Fair will be held in Upper Marlboro.  Fire/EMS staff will be on hand in the Government area of the fairgrounds to greet you and provide you with fire safety and injury prevention material.  You can also obtain information on how to become a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. Click on the link above for additional information about times and admission charges.

On Saturday, September 8th,  fire service members, their families and members of the general public will convene at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, at the National Harbor to climb 110 stories as a tribute to their fallen brothers. Some use air pack or carry hoses; many are in full turn-out gear; others are accompanied by rescue dogs. Each climber carries the photograph and biographical sketch of a firefighter who was lost on September 11, 2001.  Not “up” to running stairs??  A 3-mile walk will also be held to honor our fallen heroes.  A donation to participate is required.  All donations will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  For both events, the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a race, but an opportunity to honor and remember the 343 FDNY members who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live.  Click on this link above to pre-register on-line or on-site registration opens at 7:00 am.

In September, during the week after Labor Day, over seventy teams of firefighters and paramedics will come together from across North America to play softball and raise money to fight neuromuscular diseases. The International Association of Fire Fighters MDA Softball Tournament is hosted by IAFF Local 1619, Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association. It is the largest gathering of firefighters and paramedics outside of the International’s Biennial Convention. Over the years this tournament has become an institution for our union and for MDA. Besides the fun, sport, and camaraderie that takes place each year as teams of fire fighters from across the U.S. and Canada gather in Watkins Park for competitive softball, this tournament continues to provide substantial support for MDA and Jerry's Kids.  The event is free and open to the public.  Plenty of food and drinks are sold with profits benefiting MDA.

The event will be held at:
Watkins Regional Park - Largo, Maryland
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
Friday September 7, at Noon with opening ceremonies at 6:15 p.m. through Sunday September 9, at 5:00 p.m.





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