Statement from Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III Regarding the Death of Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider

Press Release

For immediate release: 

April 16, 2016

For more information, contact:

Scott L. Peterson

Deputy Manager of Communications/Press Secretary

Cell: 240-619-9400

Statement of Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III:

Line of Duty Death of Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider

Upper Marlboro, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released the following statement following the fatal shooting and line of duty death of Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider:

“Having the courage to be the first to arrive on scenes of peril and chaos and forced to make life and death decisions in matter of moments takes a special type of character that exists only in the few among us.  However, this County has many of these souls and last night, tragically, another one of them was taken from us again. 

For the past 13 years, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider, known lovingly as “Skillet,” built a reputation as a dependable family man who loved serving this County as both a firefighter and paramedic.  From being the first to arrive at scenes, to being the last to stay behind and follow up on those he cared for, Firefighter/Medic Ulmschneider reflected the type of values and dedication that so many of our firefighters, paramedics, first responders, and government employees possess.  His service, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice to this County will never be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter/Medic Ulmschneider’s family and friends, the men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department, the Prince George’s County Firefighters and Paramedics Association Local 1619, as they reflect, grieve, and recover from this horrible tragedy.  I also want to send my thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to Morningside Volunteer Fire Fighter Kevin Swain who is currently recovering from multiple gunshot wounds at University of Maryland Shock Trauma.  I want our strong family of volunteer firefighters to know that we are here to assist and support.   

All County flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider.  Furthermore, the Prince George’s County government is providing any firefighter, paramedic, or first responder grief counseling if needed.”

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