Firefighters Rally for Fire Chief Bashoor's Presentation at State Convention

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

Firefighters from across the State of Maryland were provided with an informative training session that captured the attention of everyone in attendance.  The session was held during the Maryland State Fireman’s Association (MSFA) 119th Annual Convention.  Thousands of firefighters, medics, Emergency Medical Technicians, Ladies Auxiliary, family and friends converge on Ocean City, Maryland, every year during this June week to participate in convention activities.  During this multi-day convention business meetings are held, there are election and installation of officers, apparatus and vendor displays and numerous training opportunities are held.  One of the most attended training sessions held this year was entitled “Firestorm 2011.”  This session chronicled what is being called the busiest day in the history of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department: Saturday, February 19, 2011. 

Chief Marc Bashoor conducts a 2 hour session of FIRESTORM 2011
During the session, Prince George’s County Acting Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor detailed the events of the day that included dry weather conditions and high gusting winds that produced hundreds of brush fires,  seven significant fire incidents and over 900 calls handled throughout the course of the day when 350 to 400 is the normal.  Damage from that day was tabulated in the millions of dollars, a dozen occupied structures damaged or destroyed and over a thousand acres of property scorched.  The day produced the second time in the history of the Fire/EMS Department where a call back of career personnel was made (the first call back was on 9/11/01) and a request for 40 additional pieces of fire units from across the State of Maryland.  Fire/EMS units from Virginia and the District of Columbia also provided mutual aid.

Bashoor held two sessions, the first on Monday afternoon at 3:30 pm.  This 2-hour session was attended by about 80 firefighters from across the State; mostly from Prince George’s County, that heard the details of the seven significant incidents and lessons learned that were chronicled in After Action Reports.  This was an interactive sessions that included commentary from several members of the Department that played an integral role in the events of that day.  Some of these personnel providing commentary included; Jerry LaMoria, PGFD Emergency Operations Commander; Wendy Baden, Baden Volunteer Chief; Chuck Fusco, Berwyn Heights Volunteer Chief; and Raymond Briscoe and John Gardiner, Branchville Volunteer Firefighters.  The “Firestorm 2011” presentation by Chief Bashoor was one of the most attended training sessions of the convention.


Chief Bashoor also presented an abbreviated and informative session on “Firestorm 2011” from the main stage during a general business meeting on Tuesday morning.  About 2000 people attended this session.  The program was well received by all in attendance with Chief Bashoor receiving positive feedback from dozens of  firefighters.



Chief Bashoor also presented an abbreviated and informative session on “Firestorm 2011” from the main stage during a general business meeting on Tuesday morning. 

This 2-hour session was attended by about 80 firefighters from across the State; mostly from Prince George’s County, that heard the details of the seven significant incidents and lessons learned that were chronicled in After Action Reports.  (Pete Piringer)


Several Prince George’s County Volunteer Departments had a few of
 their recently purchased pieces of 
fire apparatus on display at the request of the manufacturer.  These included engine from Branchville and District Heights and a heavy-duty rescue squad from Laurel Rescue.

Several Prince George’s County Volunteer Departments had a few of their recently purchased pieces of 
fire apparatus on display at the request of the manufacturer.  These included engine from Branchville and District Heights and a heavy-duty rescue squad from Laurel Rescue.

Several Prince George’s County Volunteer Departments had a 
few of their recently purchased pieces of 
fire apparatus on display at the request of the manufacturer.  These included engine from Branchville and District Heights and a heavy-duty rescue squad from Laurel Rescue.


This 2-hour session was attended by about 80 firefighters from across the State; mostly from Prince George’s County, that heard the details of the seven significant incidents and lessons learned that were chronicled in After Action Reports.  (Pete Piringer)



Comments

Post a Comment