Holiday Food Baskets Delivered by County Executive and Public Safety Agencies

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

Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and public safety officials gathered this morning at the Bunker Hill Fire/EMS Station to help fill and deliver a portion of 3000 holiday food baskets. Public Safety Assistance Program (PSAP) Executive Director Bill Milligan coordinated the event that included the leadership and members of the Fire/EMS Department, Police Department, Department of Corrections, Office of the Sheriff and Homeland Security. Personnel filled holiday food baskets that would be delivered this morning to the Emerson House, a senior citizen high-rise, in Bladensburg as well as a visit with students at the Riverdale Elementary School.

The PSAP is a combined effort by all Prince George's County Public Safety Agencies. About 3000 holiday food baskets will be distributed throughout the County this year to families that otherwise may not be able to afford a holiday meal. The PSAP operates on monetary donations from the public and corporations such as Pepsi Cola, Safeway, Burris Logistics, District Photo, Prince George's County Board of Realtors, Scott Management, Apartment and Office Building Association, Watkins Park Festival of Light, DC Ventures, Inc., and others.

Fire Chief Bashoor was joined this morning by members of his command staff including Deputy Fire Chiefs Scott Hoglander, Ben Barksdale, Neal Dennis and Frank Underwood, volunteer firefighters from Bunker Hill, Bladensburg and Riverdale, career crew from Riverdale Heights #813 and Bunker Hill #855, a host of Assistant Fire Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs and civilian members of the Fire/EMS Department.

Breakfast was prepared this morning by retired member Tommy Smith and a host of assistant chefs including Terry Lloyd, Robin Pilkerton, Teresa Crisman, Kevin Roberts, Jack Mowatt and others.

If you are interested in making a donation to the PSAP you may do so at anytime. The Prince George’s County Public Assistance Program, Inc. is a 501c3 organization and contributions are tax deductible. Mail monetary donations to FOOD, P.O. Box 548, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20773.

At the Bunker Hill Fire/EMS Station

The Bunker Hill Fire/EMS Station #855 is base of operations for the Public Safety Holiday Food Basket Program. Chief Bashoor addresses the crowd gathered to help load food baskets and deliver them to the Emerson House and the Riverdale Elementary School.

Station 855 Commander Fire Captain Kenny Stack and Debbie King from the Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire Department are recognized for their hospitality since November when the PSAP "moved in" to the station.

Fire Captain Mark Arhar is acknowledged for his assistance to the PSAP. Captain Arhar is detailed to the PSAP during the months of November and December.

Fire Chief Bashoor and Police Chief Magaw load food baskets.

Deputy fire CHief Barksdale and Acting Assistant Chief Thomas James fill baskets.

Department of Corrections - Director Mary Lou McDonough, Police Department - Chief Mark Magaw, Fire/EMS Department - Chief Marc Bashoor. Office of the Sheriff - Sheriff Melvin High, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety Barry Stanton, Homeland Security - Director Brian Moe prepare to load baskets into delivery truck.

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III joins in loading delivery truck.

Office of the Sheriff Colonel Darrin Palmer and Assistant Fire Chief Ron Bridges help loading baskets onto the delivery truck.

At the Emerson House, Bladensburg, MD

Maryland Represenative Jolene Ivey, County Exeecutive Baker, Fire Chief Bashoor unload baskets at the Emerson House in Bladensburg. PSAP Executive Director Bill Milligan supervises from behind.