PGPD Officers Honored for Heroic Rescue at Apartment Building Fire

Prince George’s County, Maryland… Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and Prince George’s County Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw honored four Prince George’s County Police Officers this morning for their heroic actions in an apartment building fire at 4711 Berwyn House Road in College Park last weekend.

At the College Park Fire Station #812, Chief Bashoor presented the Fire Chief’s Award to 14-year veteran Corporal Eric N. Lee, seven-year veteran Corporal Matthew P. Ling, five-year veteran Police Officer First Class Daniel Gonzalez, and four-year veteran Police Officer First Class Jonathan A. Eyler.  Each received award certificates and letters of commendation from Fire Chief Bashoor for their acts of bravery and service to the community.

On February 4^th, 2012, at approximately 2:30 p.m., all four officers were working in the College Park area when they observed heavy smoke billowing from the sixth floor of the Spellman House Apartments which houses seniors and the mobility impaired.  Without hesitation or protective equipment, they entered the smoke-filled hallways and made their way to the sixth floor.  After locating the apartment where the fire had originated, they forced their way through the smoke and heat to check for occupants.  After finding no one was in that apartment, they made their way back downstairs, assisting the building’s remaining occupants to safety.

“These heroic actions typify the law enforcement professionals who work for our agency.  Each one of these officers did not think twice about risking their own lives in order to bring others to safety.  I want to thank them for their dedication, valor, and commitment to the residents of Prince George’s County,” stated Chief Mark Magaw.