Battalion Chief Graduates,Suma Cum Laude, While Keeping Safety First

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Sayshan L. Conver-White

Congratulations are in order for Battalion Chief Sayshan L. Conver-White for recently graduating, Suma Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management from University of Maryland University College.  Over the past 8 years Sayshan has served as the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) operational safety officer.  PGFD is a combination department of 860 Career personnel and 1600 volunteers that responds to approximately 140,000 calls for service annually.

In 2007, Sayshan became the Department’s first on-duty Safety Officer.  "Her passion for Firefighter safety led the department to establishing an operational safety office that now includes both a career and volunteer safety officers around the clock," said Assistant Fire Chief Erroll George.  "Sayshan developed a safety program incorporating the NFFF’s 16 Life Safety Initiatives. These initiatives are now incorporated into nearly every phase of our daily operations. This program has been viewed by surrounding jurisdictions as a model for their Safety programs." 

She has developed a departmental Safety Officer Training program to ensure a succession plan for the operational Safety office. She also initiated use of the Near Miss program to members of the Department.  Several incidents have been submitted to improve firefighter safety nationwide.  Her passion for Firefighter Safety has dramatically changed the safety culture within the Department.  In fact, the number of firefighter injuries has been reduced by 16 percent since 2013.

Sayshan’s passion for Firefighter safety goes far beyond her own department.  She chaired the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) Safety and Health Committee from 2008-2015.  She co-chaired the Maryland Emergency Services Life Safety Task Force from 2011-2015.  Through these leadership roles she coordinated and taught at numerous safety conferences throughout the state including: COG’s Arrive Alive and Survive, Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference and MFRI’s Learning from the Past, Improving the Future seminar.  She attended the NFFF’s Safety/Training Officer’s National Summit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sayshan has been requested to be an intimate part of safety investigation teams throughout the region.  These include:

·      57^th Avenue House Fire-Prince George’s County

·      Truck 411 accident-Fairfax County

·      Ladder training accident-Fairfax County

·      Numerous other investigations

Sayshan with husband Steve "Country" White

Sayshan’s passion for Firefighter Safety has also impacted her personal training regimen. Over the years she has become nationally certified: Fire Officer IV, Fire Service Instructor III, Health and Safety Officer, Incident Safety Officer, FDSOA certification (2007, 2008).  She continually attends various safety related training classes and seminars.  Sayshan also obtained her Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Technology from College of Southern Maryland (2009) and her Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management from University of Maryland University College 2015 (Suma Cum Laude).

            Sayshan has worked diligently over the past 8 years to enhance the safety of all Fire/EMS Department personnel as well as firefighters nationwide.  She has passionately given of her time and has excelled in this position.  She is continually attending training to make sure she is aware of all national trends and the latest in firefighter safety enhancements. 

Sayshan is married to Steve "Country" White, an Assistant Fire Chief with the Department.  They have 2 sons and reside in LaPlata, Maryland.

Sayshan, Congratulations on your graduation and commitment to keeping Safety First so Everyone Goes Home!!!

Steve, Sayshan, Colby and Trent reside in LaPlata, Maryland.

Sayshan and younger brother, Samuel, at commencement ceremony