Several Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department members were recognized for their achievements over the past year at the annual awards ceremony at the convention for the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
Firefighter Evan Ampe was honored with the Francis W. Xander Memorial Trophy for Firefighter of the Year.
Evan joined our department in 2022 as an EMS-only live-in volunteer. Demonstrating a remarkable commitment to the fire service, he quickly transitioned to the suppression side after just one semester. Since then, Evan has obtained his Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certification, Firefighter I and II certifications, and is currently pursuing Instructor I and Officer I certifications—all while successfully completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Catholic University.
“Evan’s contributions extend beyond the fireground. He has spearheaded important projects around the firehouse, including the relocation and redesign of our fitness area, which has greatly benefited the entire department,” Chief Henry Sullivan said in the nomination. “Evan is always ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities.”
EMS Captain Jon Hoerner was honored with the Volunteer EMS Captain George H. Linnell Award for EMS Excellence
Captain Hoerner serves as a Volunteer EMS Captain, Firefighter, and Paramedic for the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to these roles, he is an active member of the Board of Directors and serves as the department’s Treasurer, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the department’s operations and financial health. At the county level, Captain Hoerner plays a pivotal role as the Volunteer Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator. In this capacity, he oversees all matters related to volunteer paramedics across Prince George’s County, ensuring the highest standards of care and operational efficiency.
“Jon’s work aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Volunteer EMS Captain George H. Linnell Award, as he continually strives to advance, improve, and better EMS services both within the county and beyond,” Chief Sullivan said. “Captain Hoerner has served as a mentor to young paramedics who have gone on to serve around the nation.”
Our crew from A801 was honored with Harold L. “Doc” Leonard Memorial Trophy for Ambulance/Squad of the Year for their call with a pediatric patient with their hand trapped in a meat grinder.
Those recognized were EMS Lt. Nick Seminerio, EMS Sgt. John Shaw, Probationary EMT Jacob Woods, and Probationary EMT David Debenham.
The HVFD would also like to recognize the crew from Paramedic Ambulance 844 (Chillum) for their role in this incident, Captain Danon Ushinski (Medic) and FF/EMT Derrick Richnafsky (Driver), as well as the actions of Washington, D.C. Fire/EMS Rescue Squad 2 who extricated the patient from the machinery at the hospital. In addition, the actions of Prince George’s County Police officers prior to fire department arrival, the Public Safety Communications team, and EMS800 (Captain Hogan) were significant contributors.
Children’s National Hospital said the “team’s quick response and communication” led to a more positive outcome for the patient.
The Tuesday night event was part of the Association’s annual convention, hosted this year by the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department.
The HVFD would like to thank the Association and its panel of judges who recognized the hard work of HVFD volunteers over the last year.
