Fire Fighter/Medic Recognized for Going Above and Beyond

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

A very deserving member of the Fire/Emergency Medical (EMS) Department was presented with a Fire Chief’s Award for his actions in providing assistance to a citizen.  Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor presented the award to Fire Fighter/Medic Joseph B. Quade this morning at Pier B of the National Harbor.

          

Due to declining health issues over the last several years, a resident of Fort Washington has relied on the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department to assist her for various reasons.  In 2010, the citizen, who is wheelchair bound, called 911 more than 100 times to request the Fire/EMS Department’s assistance with getting her into or out of her home.  Realizing the calls were both costly and time consuming, Fire Fighter/Medic Quade proceeded to make plans to begin a project to build a ramp and deck at the residence.   The Fire/EMS Department’s Christmas in April program coordinator was contacted to see if this charitable program could assist with permits and funding.  Permits were obtained, however, the projected cost was mounting and seemed insurmountable.

During the planning phase, it was quickly realized that the project would be extremely involved and possibly cost prohibitive.  Christmas in April advised that they were not sure they could fund such a large project; thus, Quade sought and acquired the necessary materials on his own.  After several phone calls and visits to the Oxon Hill Home Depot Store, he persuaded the store’s manager to assist with this worthwhile endeavor. Quade secured donated materials from the store in excess of $3,200.  He then spent over 100 off-duty hours planning and traveling long distance to attend meetings, where bringing this project to completion was discussed.     

 On April 27^th, personnel from Fire/EMS Stations Oxon Hill #821, Accokeek #824, Fort Washington #847, and several off duty personnel from Station 847 worked tirelessly to complete the frame out of the ramp and deck.  The crews worked until approximately 5:00 pm that day to complete this process.  On April 30^th, the official Christmas in April date, Quade single-handedly coordinated over 30 volunteers from the Department, as well as other civilian organizations, to complete the final build out of the ramp and deck. When it became apparent that additional materials were needed to complete the work, Quade secured funding from the volunteer leadership of the Allentown Road Volunteer Fire Department.  This project, if paid for outright by the family, would by some estimates have cost upwards of $10,000. 

The citizen wrote a very complimentary letter that stated, "Bill and I want to express how we feel about the wonderful deck and ramp that your fire company participated in building in April this year.  We felt excitement, yet humbled, as the structure began to take shape.  The ramp helped free Bill of the arduous task in aiding my attempts of getting out of the house during the morning hours.  There were many times Bill and I were injured while using our measures trying to leave the house.  We will always be grateful for your hard work and outstanding diligence in creating this beautiful and safe structure.  We are very proud of you.  May God Bless you, and, may He continue to keep you safe!"

Fire Fighter Medic Quade and Fire Chief Bashoor

While presenting the award, Fire Chief Bashoor stated, “You recognized a solution to a problem that was not only negatively impacting the Departmental members assisting a citizen, but also the Fire/EMS Department’s service delivery as a whole.  You diligently pursued the solution and never wavered, even when confronted at times by seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  It has been reported that the number of responses to this address has been greatly reduced as a result of your efforts.” 

“Your initiative to provide assistance of such magnitude to the family, as well as your fellow co-workers, is admirable and worthy of recognition,” concluded Bashoor.   “Your actions reflect well on you both personally and professionally, making you an asset to the community and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.  For these reasons, you are hereby awarded the Fire Chief’s Award.  Thank you for an outstanding job.”

On April 30^th, the official Christmas in April date, Quade single-handedly coordinated over 30 volunteers from the Department, as well as other civilian organizations, to complete the final build out of the ramp and deck.

Fire Chief Bashoor presents award to Fire Fighter/Medic Quade at an event on Pier B at National Harbor.  Members of  Technical Rescue Services were on hand to congratulate Quade.