MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
Several firefighters were presented with certificates today in recognition of their efforts in extinguishing a fire at the National Archives in College Park.
The event was held at the impressive and beautiful National Archives in College Park and included dozens of employees along with career and volunteer firefighters in the audience. Kevin A. McCoy, Director, Security National Archives and Records Administration at the College Park Facility opened the awards ceremony and said;
I want to welcome all to this presentation this morning, especially those who will receive special recognition on behalf of The Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, and Chief Operating Officer Jay Bosanko.
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| Mr Chuck Piercy, Chief Security Officer and Fire Chief Bashoor exchange challenge coins |
To begin this ceremony, please allow me to Quote President
George W. Bush at a ceremony honoring fire fighters after 911:
“Fire-fighting is a hard and demanding
job. And it may at any moment send a person to the high heat or
thick smoke. It's been said that a firefighter's first act of
bravery is taking the oath to serve. And all of them serve, knowing
that one day they may not come home.”
We at the National Archives at College Park are grateful for
your bravery in the suppression of a vehicle fire in our parking structure. Many
of us are probably not aware of how quickly such a vehicle fire can get out of
control and spread in a parking structure, with thousands of gallons of fuel in
over 300 vehicles.
We at the Archives are the stewards of some of our Nation’s
most importing holdings in this Archives building and without your quick
response those holdings may have been put at risk.
These certificates and challenge coins we present here today
represent our gratitude for your bravery and service to not only our agency,
but the occupants of this facility, and members of our county, state and nation
as a whole.
Firefighters received a certificate reading;
“On September 16, 2014, in less than 7 minutes, Engine 811,
Truck 812, Truck 814 and Engine 834 arrived at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA), College Park in response to our 9-1-1 call. The
array of career and volunteer Fire Fighter and Paramedic crews quickly and
effectively engaged and extinguished the multiple car blazes in the parking
structure. The cohesive efforts of all responders resulted in limiting damage
to only 4 vehicles, when the potential existed for over $16,000,000 in loss.
Your personal contribution to the team effort was instrumental in preventing
this incident from becoming a catastrophic event and reflects great credit upon
yourself, your Station, Company and Battalion. The preservation of life and
property at NARA is a direct result of dedicated people like you serving our
country in extraordinary ways. Your exceptional
performance is sincerely appreciated and we wish you the best in your future
endeavors."
The following personal received recognition;
4th Battalion Chief Brian Frankel
Engine 834 Chillum-Adelphi
Lieutenant Israel S. Tabak Fire Fighter Thomas Rhodes
Fire Fighter John Inman Fire Fighter Miguel Ocasio
Engine 811 Branchville
Chief Richard Leizear Fire Fighter Ronald Leizear
Fire Fighter Robert Lopaz Fire Fighter Orville Saunders
Fire Fighter Robert Stahl
Truck 812 College Park
Volunteer Chief William Corrigan Volunteer Captain Matthew Machala
Paramedic Captain Steve Brown Paramedic Technician Chris Brooks
Fire Fighter Bryan Anderson Fire Fighter Chad Haden
Truck 814 Berwyn Heights
Lieutenant Vincent Verdero Fire Fighter Michael Parker
Fire Fighter Steven Reeves
At the conclusion of award presentation, Fire Chief Bashoor stated, "it is unusual for another agency or an entity outside of Fire/EMS to take the time to recognize the efforts of firefighters and that this event and recognition was very much appreciated."
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