High Honors for Former PGFD Leadership

Fire Chief Jones, Fire Chief Goddard, NFFF Exec. Director Siarnicki, MFRI Director Edwards and State of Maryland Fire Marshal Barnard.

Steven T. Edwards and Fire Chief Jones

Ronald J. Siarnicki and Fire Chief Jones

William E. Barnard and Fire Chief Jones

William F. Goddard and Fire Chief Jones

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones announced today his selection for the first five inductees into the Fire/EMS Department Hall of Fame. Fire Chief Eugene Jones announced at a breakfast meeting today that five long-serving former leaders of the Department will be the first five names listed on the elite plaque. An event honoring these individuals was held today, Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at the Northview Community Fire/EMS Station in Bowie. Fire Chief Jones honored M.H. “Jim” Estepp, Steven T. Edwards, Ronald J. Siarnicki, William E. Barnard and William F. Goddard III. These former leaders each played a key role in the formation of the Fire/EMS Department and their legacy is a part of the Departments history. These five were chosen specifically for their leadership role, being a mentor for Fire Chief Jones throughout his career and for their careers after departing the Department. Chief Jones stated, “The men we honor today are giants in the fire service and I had the privilege to work with each of them in various capacities.” He concluded by saying, “Each of them set a foundational stone in my life.”

The ceremony was the first of many events that will be held throughout the course of this year honoring the 40th Anniversary of a Charter Form of Government in Prince George’s County that created one of the largest, the busiest and the very best combined, volunteer and career, Fire/EMS Departments in the Country, if not the world.

Fire Chief Jones also used the occasion to officially release the 40th Anniversary logo that will be used this year to mark this significant milestone. The logo is surrounded by the names of all those that have served as a County Fire Chief and contains the logos of the Volunteer Association and Firefighters Union signifying our combined service.

Four of the honorees spoke at the event and recounted their time spent with the Department which laid the foundation for their future careers. M.H. “Jim” Estepp was unable to make today’s event. Their comments proved to be motivational for the command staff that had gathered to honor them.

Each honoree received a Distinguished Service Award from Fire Chief Jones. The Award stated:

IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP OF THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT AND IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE YOUR DEPARTURE. YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER AND ROLE MODEL FOR OTHERS TO EMULATE.

The honored individuals each has an extensive resume in the fire service, education, management and are heavily decorated with awards and honors. Honored today:

M.H. “Jim” Estepp – Former County Fire Chief, nationally recognized fire service, elected, business and civic leader.

Steven T. Edwards – Former County Fire Chief and currently Director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Ronald J. Siarnicki – Former County Fire Chief and currently Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

William E. Barnard – Former County Deputy Fire Chief and currently State of Maryland Fire Marshal.

William F. Goddard – Former County Deputy Fire Chief and currently Fire Chief of Howard County, MD, Department of Fire and Rescue.