After 26 years of dedicated services, one of the most highly decorated members of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is retiring. Major Victor N. Ferreira, Jr. has announced his intentions to retire at the end of March 2009. Major Ferreira, who currently serves as a Commander of the Fire/EMS Training Academy, has previously been awarded two medals of valor—a Gold Medal for his attempts in rescuing a family during a house fire, and a Bronze Medal for his skillful operation of the bomb squad robot during a barricade of a murder suspect. Additionally, he has twice been awarded Fire Fighter of the Year, as well as an honoree in five Unit Citations. Throughout his career, Major Ferreira has earned close to two dozen awards and commendations from various governments and organizations. He is also credited with obtaining National Accreditation for the Fire/EMS Training Academy, which is now a model for fire departments country-wide that are attempting to do the same.
Media may best remember Major Ferreira for his role as a Bomb Technician during the Atlanta Olympics and the explosion in Centennial Park in 1996. He was the first arriving Bomb Technician on location, and was subsequently interviewed by nearly every local and national media outlet in the days that followed.
When asked which memories will follow him when he leaves the Department, Major Ferreira stated, “The house fire on 17th Avenue, where several family members were rescued. Although we had hoped for a better outcome of this incident, I was part of a crew that worked extremely well together and we did everything right. Additionally, I will always remember my work with the Bomb Squad and the advancements made while at the Fire/EMS Training Academy”. He concluded, saying, “Of course, it’s the people of this Fire/EMS Department I will remember and miss the most”.
Major Ferreira, his wife and their four children reside in Tracy’s Landing, Maryland. He has accepted a position with the District of Columbia Government as Occupational Safety and Health Manager.
Acting Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones stated, “On behalf of the entire Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and the citizens and residents we are sworn to protect, I commend Victor Ferreira on a Job Well Done. He has certainly left his mark on this Department, and his efforts will continue to have an impact for years to come. I wish him much success in his future endeavors.”
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