Hoyer Attends 25th Annual National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, delivered remarks this evening at the 25th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). Vice President Joe Biden delivered the keynote address, and Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and former Chief of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, was presented with the 2013 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.

"I was honored to join Vice President Biden, members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and others this evening to recognize the passion, determination, courage, and selflessness of firefighters and emergency service personnel in Maryland and across the country," stated Congressman Hoyer.
"Tonight, my thoughts were with the families of our nation's fallen firefighters, and in particular with the family of Gene Kirchner from Reisterstown, Maryland, who gave his life last week while attempting to save the victim of a house fire. He was one of the first on the scene, rushing into the burning structure without regard for his own safety, helping to save four of the home's five occupants. Gene was a hero and an extraordinary person."

"In Maryland and in communities throughout our country, we are constantly reminded that America's firefighters and emergency service personnel are ready – they are looking out for us all," continued Congressman Hoyer. "I'm glad that we have honored someone who has dedicated his career to looking out for them. There is no one who deserves to receive the Mason-Lankford Award tonight more than Chief Siarkicki."

Congressman Hoyer concluded: "Serving as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus has been one of the great privileges of my career. I thank our firefighters and emergency service personnel for all that they do for our communities and our country, and I look forward to continuing to fight on their behalf in the years ahead."

Several leaders of fire and emergency services departments and organizations in Maryland attended the event as guests of Congressman Hoyer, including Tom
Mattingly, Past President of the Maryland State Fireman's Association; Greg Russell, President of the National Capital Professional Federal Fire Fighters, IAFF Local F121; Mike Rund, President of the Professional Firefighters of Maryland; Charles Walker, President of the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association; Marc Bashoor, Chief of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department; Corey Smedley,  Assistant Chief of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department; Bill Goddard, Chief of Howard County Fire Department; Shirley Copado, President of the Southern Maryland Firemen's Association; and Courtney Shannon, President of the Professional Paramedics and EMTs of Charles County.