MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
MEBrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
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| PGFD CRS #47 Recruit Jesse McCullough |
Firefighter McCullough, assigned to Landover Hills Fire/EMS Station 830 on B shift, is an excellent employee who consistently strives to do his very best. For example, one chilly December day in 2017, he and fellow crew members were tasked with rescuing a dog stranded in a frozen ravine. It is preferable that animals and pets are rescued by firefighters instead of well-intentioned Good Samaritans, who in their efforts could potentially sustain injuries or worse. Following the crew’s rescue of a golden retriever,McCullough, representing the Department, explained their act of humanitarianism to members of the media.
In January
2017, Jesse began a battle for his life after receiving a diagnosis of Stage IV
Metastatic Colon Cancer. However, he is
not alone in this fight, as his family and extended Fire/EMS Department family
are facing it head on with him.
No one is more capable of shedding light on Jesse’s plight
than him, and in a recent Facebook post he stated the following:
Some
of this will be redundant with my Fire Department family. The rest of the folks
on here don't know what is going on with me, but they are seeing benefits in my
honor and have questions about it. I
have been diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer that has spread and
grown. The prognosis given is that I
have a few months to live unless a successful treatment is found. I do not believe that my fight is over. Prior to this point, I have done a bunch of
chemo and surgery. Some people know but
most do not realize that the career I love also brings with it a significant
increased risk of cancer. The type I
have been diagnosed with is one associated with the hazards of firefighting.
I
am incredibly blessed to have wonderful family and my fire department family taking
care of me. This is obviously a hard
time for us, especially since the cancer spread extremely fast. I have been fighting this battle for over a
year and have been healthy and active, for the most part—needing only a few
days off around my shift for treatments and a couple months off for a colon and
liver resection. My brothers and sisters
in the Department covered my shifts during that time, for which I am eternally
grateful. I expect that a lot of people
will have questions, as well as suggestions, regarding treatment. Just know we are exploring more options than one
might imagine.
I
also expect that people likely will want to help, and there are a couple of
ways to do this. One way, which may or
not be hard for some, is to write down a memory or funny story or anything you
can think of and send it to me in messenger or email. Susie had a wonderful idea that we could do
this, and down the road when I am gone she will be able to share those stories
about me with our girls. This would mean
a lot to us. Sorry to drop such heavy
news on everyone; but, unfortunately, it does seem as though time is running
out. I hope my words find everyone well,
and I wish no else would have to go through this. I know that's unrealistic, so take the time
today and really appreciate what you have and your loved ones—even if just for
a moment.
“Jesse is the
type of firefighter you want on your shift as part of your crew standing next
to you as you go about your job. He is the firefighter that you want as
an employee and representative of both your Department and Prince George’s
County. He is the type of person you
want as a husband and father.” - Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale.
"Firefighter
McCullough has always been the hardest working man in the room. I was proud to be an employee reference for him
as a firefighter in the Prince Georges County Fire and EMS Department. Jesse is the type of employee you want to have
twenty just like him. He maintains a
positive attitude, is a team player, and has an incredible amount of pride in the
job he loves and does well. Jesse has
worked tirelessly and without complaint during his fight against cancer, asking
for nothing. He is an outstanding
example to others, a dedicated friend to many, and a proud husband and
father." - Captain Stephanie A. Buffum
The PGFD firefighting family is raising
funds to assist this young man and family as they fight to save his life.
There is a Go Fund Me account and other fundraising events that everyone is encouraged
to attend.
"Jesse McCullough is a beloved father to two beautiful little girls, husband to Susie, and dedicated friend to many," said Fire Captain Stephanie Buffum. "Jesse is awaiting acceptance into a Clinical Trial and is hoping to start momentarily. In the interim, he will continue chemotherapy. His fight is far from over; Jesse’s fight is our fight!"
Jesse’s firefighting family want to ease the McCullough’s financial burden while they conquer this beast. Some of the costs associated with clinical trials include travel expenses and medical bills not covered by insurance. Both Jesse and Susie are employed; however, his treatment schedule and other pertinent factors will significantly impact the couple’s finances. "Please find it in your heart to support the McCullough family," asks Buffum.
"Jesse McCullough is a beloved father to two beautiful little girls, husband to Susie, and dedicated friend to many," said Fire Captain Stephanie Buffum. "Jesse is awaiting acceptance into a Clinical Trial and is hoping to start momentarily. In the interim, he will continue chemotherapy. His fight is far from over; Jesse’s fight is our fight!"
Jesse’s firefighting family want to ease the McCullough’s financial burden while they conquer this beast. Some of the costs associated with clinical trials include travel expenses and medical bills not covered by insurance. Both Jesse and Susie are employed; however, his treatment schedule and other pertinent factors will significantly impact the couple’s finances. "Please find it in your heart to support the McCullough family," asks Buffum.
A fund raising event will be held this Sunday, August 26th. Everyone is invited to attend.
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