Right Tool for the Right Job


On January 20, 2015, personnel and equipment from the Prince George's County Office of the Fire Marshal were requested by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department to support an investigation that was being conducted on Childs Point Road in Annapolis. The scene was very challenging to say the least. There were 6 people (2 adults and 4 children) unaccounted for and the house was very large (over 16,000 square feet). Many specialized units and pieces of equipment were called to the scene. One such piece of equipment requested was the track loader (Bobcat) recently purchased by the Prince George’s County Fire/ EMS Department (13UASI606-01). This piece of equipment was very helpful in the debris examination process.


You often hear about having the right tool for the right job- this was one of those instances. And although the circumstances were very tragic, all victims were successfully located and all personnel returned to service without any physical injuries (thanks in no small part to this very useful piece of equipment).  

A bobcat loader is not uncommon for use in the fire service.  This is the Departments 3rd such unit and is assigned to the Office of the Fire Marshal.  The other two units are assigned to apparatus maintenance and the Fire/EMS Training Academy.

Bino J Harris
Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Office of the Fire Marshal


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