MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us
Reprinted with permission from http://www.kentland33.com/
On January 15th, 2011, Tower Ladder Lieutenant Christopher Rutter was seriously injured while operating on second alarm box 46-23. He suffered burns to his back when he fell through the first floor stairwell and into the involved basement. By the grace of God he was able to self extricate himself to safety. After evaluating his condition on the fire ground, he was transported to the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit in Washington, D.C. After undergoing surgery and spending over eight days under strict observation, he was released at 1400 hours on January 24th, 2011. In keeping with the tradition of returning a brother fireman to quarters from his previous alarm, members proceeded to the Hospital Center to do just that. Volunteers from the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. aboard Engine 331, Truck 33, Mini-Pumper 33 and several utility vehicles arrived at the Hospital Center and gave Lieutenant Rutter his well deserved ride back to the Landover Road Engine House. As Rutter left the entrance of the Hospital Center with his mother Gail, they were greeted by Chief, Assistant Chief and President 33. After walking to Engine 331, they were then greeted by the members manning the apparatus.
The Officers and Membership of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. would like to graciously thank everyone that sent and/or showed their support during this time. Our department had an unbelievable outpouring from hundreds of individuals and departments/organizations. We would especially like to thank the Rutter Family, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III, The D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation, the men and women of the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit, Acting Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and Command Staff of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., The Prince George's County Fire Commission, The Prince George's County Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association, members of the District of Columbia Fire Department, D.C.F.D. Engine Company No. 4/Air Unit No. 1 and anyone else that had a part in caring for our injured member.
After a busy day for Lieutenant Christopher Rutter, he had an unexpected, surprise visit from Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III. Executive Baker arrived at the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Company No. 33 around 2000 hours. He had been busy all day with several meetings, yet made the time to check on one of his local, neighborhood firefighters. He spent approx. 20-minutes out of his night talking to Lieutenant Rutter and thanking him for his dedication to the community and willingness to continue serving. After their conversation, Executive Baker wished Lieutenant Rutter well in his long road to recovery.
The Officers and Membership would like to thank Executive Baker for his visit and we wish him the best as he begins his newly elected position.
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