2018 Fire Chiefs Special Achievement Awards

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

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Two very deserving career members of the Fire/EMS Department were presented with 2018 Fire Chiefs Special Achievement Awards recently.  Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale selected the recipients and presented Damion R. Duncan and Jorge A. Paucar with the special distinction during a promotional ceremony in Landover on August 20, 2018.

Fire Lt. Damion Duncan and Firefighter/Medic Jorge Paucar were recipients of the
2018 Fire Chiefs Special Achievement Awards

Damion R. Duncan, Firefighter/Medic Lieutenant, was selected, in part, for his actions starting in May 2018, the volunteer station where he was assigned as the station officer flooded. During the initial hours after the flood, he worked feverishly to ensure that both County and Volunteer-owned equipment in the station was saved from further destruction. During the entire event, he maintained operational readiness of his personnel and equipment so as to not impact service delivery within the communities served. While this type of situation is not typical in the fire service, he managed this situation with a positive attitude, all the while leading his personnel and ensuring that the highest quality of service continued for the residents and visitors of Lanham and the surrounding communities. 

Since May, he has shown exceptional leadership as Duncan and his crew continued to overcome adversity by operating out of a station with limited services. In addition to the normal responsibilities of a station officer, Duncan has worked with the volunteer leadership and supervisors to provide solutions and improvements to service delivery. Throughout these events, he has continued to lead personnel, remain positive, and persevere day in and day out. Lieutenant Duncan’s leadership exemplifies the role of the station officer, and his commitment to those he serves. 

Jorge A. Paucar, Firefighter/Medic III, was also presented 2018 Fire Chief’s Special Achievement Award.   With over 19 years’ experience, he arrives at work every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to improve those around him. Paucar success in creating the Department’s first EMS Public Education program is a direct reflection of his high moral standing and commitment to serve. He exemplifies himself as a true professional within our Department, and continues to dedicate himself to improving the lives of those that live and work within Prince George’s County. 

Firefighter/Medic Paucar was instrumental in the development of the Department’s first EMS public education program. This program, “Hands-Only CPR,” is part of the Department’s efforts to improve cardiac arrest outcomes within our communities. To date, Paucar has been instrumental in teaching over 10,000 civilian responders in “Hands-Only CPR.” He accepts any and all invitations to teach at community events, and often teach without the help of outside assistance. This “can do” attitude reflects his commitment to improving the Department’s EMS public education.  In 2017, Paucar received the Departments “Paramedic of the Year” award for similar actions.

Recently, Paucar expanded the EMS Public Education to include a “Stop the Bleed” program. Together these two programs have enhanced our community’s preparedness to help anytime, anywhere. 


While presenting the awards to Duncan and Paucar, Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale stated, “Your dedication to your profession and consistent excellence in all you do are admirable and worthy of recognition. Both of you are true leaders among your peers, an asset to the communities in which you serve, and a valued member of the Fire/EMS Department. Therefore, it is my pleasure to present you both with the Fire Chief’s Special Achievement Award.”