MEDIA ADVISORY - Special Moment for a Special Sibling on Sunday

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

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department has actively engaged in Breast Cancer Awareness over the past few years.  We have done so not just during the month of October, but year round by having our PINK PUMPER "PINKY" attend numerous events throughout the course of the year.  PINKY is an in-service front line piece of fire apparatus that is seen countless times every day on the streets of Capitol Heights and surrounding areas.  We hope by seeing the PINK unit it may motivate someone to make that appointment or perform a self exam.

The pink pumper has become so popular we are expanding our fleet of PINK units.  On Sunday, July 6, the Department will place in service our PINK Paramedic Unit.  This unit is painted pink and has uniquely designed logos supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.  A second pumper (3rd total pink unit) will arrive later in 2014.  Our goal is to have a pink piece of fire/EMS apparatus located in the north, central and southern portions of the County.

Normally, placing a new unit in service does not command much fanfare, however, in addition to highlighting our color scheme is who will be riding along with our paramedics that day.  One of the paramedics working that day has a sister who is a Breast Cancer Survivor.  She told her brother that it would mean so much to her to be able to participate in the units first day, its first call and its first patient.

This Sunday, July 6, 2014, at 10:00 am the Fire/EMS Department will hold an informal ceremony to place Paramedic Unit 812 from College Park in service.  Comments will be made by Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and our special ride-along partner for the day.

PGFD - We Care Enough to Keep it Pink All Year Long!!!

WHAT:     PINK Paramedic Placed In Service with Breast Cancer Survivor Ride-Along
                   (not an official press conference format - more informal)

WHEN:     Sunday, July 6, 10:00 am

WHERE:   College Park Fire/EMS Station #812, 8115 Baltimore Avenue

WHO:        Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, Paramedic Crew of the day, Breast Cancer Survivor (sister of one the on-duty paramedics) along with other family members, volunteer and career members of the Department.

Plenty of photo-ops and interviews will be available.