Firestorm Presentations

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

It seems appropriate that presenting Department Citations for one of the busiest days in the history of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department also required the longest to present. It has taken since September 2011 for the Fire Chief to personally present the Fire Storm Awards to every station. The final stations were visited today with only support offices and staff presentations remaining. This plaque and uniform ribbons were presented in recognition of what is being referred to as "the busiest day" in the history of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. The award reads;

February 19-20, 2011, Prince George's County faced the busiest 24-hour period in our history, responding to a record number of calls generated by high sustained winds and extremely dry conditions of "Firestorm 2011." Over 600 personnel operated at seven simultaneous major incident scenes, as well as multiple smaller scale incidents.

All 45 Fire/EMS Stations were engaged in emergency operations, along with mutual aid companies from throughout the Metropolitan region and neighboring States. A call-back of off-duty personnel was required for the second time in the Departments history.

All emergency responders and support personnel performed admirably throughout the duration of the incident. You are hereby commended for your dedication and commitment to duty.

Signed, September 2011 by Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor

Additional information can be found by clicking on the following links:

One of the Busiest Days in Department History

County Executive and Fire Chief Comment on Firestorm

First Firestorm Citation Issued