25-Year Fire Service Vet Receives Fire Chiefs Award

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

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

A long-serving fire service veteran received an award for his overall excellence on the job and in the community.  Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor presented the recognition award to Fire Fighter John Inman at his station, Chillum-Adelphi Fire/EMS Station 834.  In attendance were Battalion Chief Brian Frankel and many 4th Battalion co-workers.

Fire Chief Bashoor opened up by saying, "It was recently brought to my attention your “nonstop dedication and commitment” to our members and the citizens of Prince George’s County.  The following is an account of how you daily present yourself as a true professional within the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department."  

Battalion Chief Frankel recommended Inman for the prestigious Fire Chiefs Award and described Fire Fighter Inman by writing; 

After more than 25 years of service, you still report for duty motivated and prepared to take on any challenge.  You continuously strive for excellence in and outside the fire station and selflessly use your experience and leadership to mentor our newer members.  Without prejudice of affiliation, you take time to train and educate all of our members to ensure readiness in the face of any emergency incident.  You make it a point to share your unique perspective throughout the shift, as well as challenge everyone around you to be better.  This level of selfless dedication contributes to the overall success of our station and Department, as a whole. 

Besides being a leader and mentor in the Department, you are also a role model to the youth in the Chillum-Adelphi communities.  Not a shift goes by without someone in the neighborhood recognizing you, especially the children who see you at the community events you attend while on duty.  It is not uncommon for you to either have kids sitting in the front seat of the Engine or be demonstrating some fire safety technique they can use.  In recent years, you have been observed taking the time to visit with neighborhood families following an emergency incident.  A few months ago, when your Engine Company was dispatched to a daycare center for an automatic fire alarm, you were asked to standby while the crew investigated.  To no one’s surprise, the crew returned to find you surrounded by all the kids in the center and demonstrating the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” procedure.  I have heard numerous accounts of how you have taken time to enlighten citizens about what our Department does on a daily basis.    

         
On your off days, you can often be found assisting the on duty crews at Fire/EMS Station 834 with fire safety education at the local schools.  Even so, you neither ask for comp nor accept it when offered.  “I cannot think of a time in my tenure with this Department when I have met anyone as dedicated and motivated as John Inman,” said Battalion Chief Frankel.  “As a member of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, he exemplifies everything we expect and moreover.”  

Chief Bashoor concluded by saying, "Fire Fighter Inman, your unwavering dedication to your profession and consistent excellence in everything you do are admirable and worthy of recognition.  You are a true leader among your peers, an asset to the communities in which you serve, and a valued member of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.  Therefore, it is my pleasure to present to you the Fire Chief’s Award.  Thank you for an outstanding job."