Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department unveiled their most recent addition for the campaign to raise Breast Cancer Awareness. An engine has been wrapped in PINK to help the Department in raising the awareness of Breast Cancer. The engine is normally assigned to the Landover Hills Fire/EMS Station 830 and will do double duty during the month of October. The Pink Pumper will attend events to help with awareness efforts and will also still respond on fire and EMS calls. The Pink Pumper is in addition to Fire/EMS personnel exchanging the traditional blue work uniform shirts with pink t-shirts. This not only demonstrates support but also allows for fundraising by the sale of t-shirts. Last year, $13,000 was donated to local charities.
A press conference was held today at the District Heights Fire/EMS Station to unveil the pumper and to hear some very personal stories and words of inspiration add a monthly self examination to the list of things to do. "Since I joined this department three decades ago, we have diligently reminded our citizens to check your smoke alarm monthly, on the first of the month. Today as part of our Safety First community campaign, I ask everyone to add one more check to that monthly calendar: A self-exam for Breast Cancer," said Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor. "For the last two years, our Department has been pleased to do our part to raise research funding and raise visual awareness of this disease through the 'wearing of the pink' during Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
The pumper was wrapped with no cost what-so-ever to the County. 3M Corporation donated the materials and Three-Four Wraps performed the labor as a donation. The PGFD Pink Pumper will be on display Saturday in "Terp Town" at the University of Maryland Football game and on Sunday at Gate A of FedEx Field prior to the Washington Redskins Football Game.
The press conference featured an array of talented individuals representing organization that have partnered with the Fire/EMS Department in this effort. County Council member Karen R. Toles spoke on the importance of the awareness effort and offered her support in this worthwhile campaign. Betty Horton-Hodge represented Congresswoman Donna Edwards and commented, "They say real men don't wear pink, well, I see a whole bunch of real men wearing pink today." Adam J. Blackman of Three-Four Wraps spoke of his personal family experience with breast cancer which is one reason he didn't hesitate to offer his skills in wrapping the engine; a true labor of love. Marshall Moneymaker, a Montgomery County Firefighter spoke of his three sisters that perished from breast cancer and stressed the importance of early detection and treatment. Denice Whalen-White, founder and President of All Shades of Pink, congratulated the Department on their efforts. Tony Wyllie, Senior Vice-President of Marketing, for the Washington Redskins spoke of the efforts the Fire/EMS Department will partner to elevate the awareness campaign and Scott Peterson, Press Secretary for the County Executive, spoke on behalf of Rushern Baker and presented the Fire/EMS Department with a Proclamation.
Fire Fighter/Medic Technician Rebecca Richardson spoke on behalf of the core group of employees that are spearheading this Pink Campaign on behalf of the Fire/EMS Department. She spoke of the continuing need for awareness throughout the year and thanked Fire Chief Bashoor for his leadership and allowing to turn the Department Pink.
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| With appearances at Byrd Stadium on Saturday and FedEx Field on Sunday, it is estimated that this PGFD PINK Pumper will be the most photographed piece of fire apparatus in the Country |
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| "Today as part of our Safety First community campaign, I ask everyone to add one more check to that monthly calendar: A self-exam for Breast Cancer," said Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor |
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| Adam J. Blackman of Three-Four Wraps spoke of his personal family experience with breast cancer which is one reason he didn't hesitate t offer his skills in wrapping the engine; a true labor of love. |
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| Marshall Moneymaker, a Montgomery County Firefighter spoke of his three sisters that perished from breast cancer and stressed the importance of early detection and treatment. |
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| FF/Medic Technician Richardson, Fire Chief Bashoor and Scott Peterson, Press Secretary for the County Executive who presented the Fire/EMS Department with a Proclamation issued by County Executive Rushern Baker. |
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