2018 M A R Y L A N D
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Maryland’s Congressmen Visit MFRI One of the highlights at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in October was visits from Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Anthony G. Brown (MD04). University of Maryland President Wallace Loh, Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr. and MFRI staff briefed both congressional representatives on the emergency services training MFRI provides across the state, nationally and internationally. Congressman Hoyer, who represents the 5th Congressional District and serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, praised MFRI as the premier fire training agency in the country. “I was pleased to tour the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute this afternoon [Oct. 1] and learn more about the training the Institute develops for emergency services personnel. The College Park headquarters and the six regional training centers located around the state prepare emergency services personnel for the difficult task of protecting our communities and ensure they have the skills needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Hoyer in a press release. While touring the facility Hoyer spoke with students and viewed MFRI’s fire and rescue training equipment. Hoyer ended his tour meeting Prince George’s County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale and members of his department.
photo: (l to r) MFRI Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr. UMD President Wallace Loh, Congressman Steny Hoyer and Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale gathered for a picture in front of the flammable liquids pit.
Congressman Brown, who represents Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, visited MFRI with a different expectation—to see what it’s like to be a firefighter. Transforming from congressman to firefighter, Brown donned MFRI’s turnout gear alongside his staffers, Benjamin Wolff and Jared Karbowsky. During their “Fire 101” course, Brown’s staff learned the importance of thermal imaging (an expensive lifesaving tool for firefighters) while executing two evolutions in the fire behavioral lab and flammable liquids pit. The novice firefighters were appreciative of the experience. “ We thank Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Anthony Brown for their public service, leadership and support for all federal programs that better our emergency services.” said Cox. “We’re appreciative of their visit to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, and we look forward to hosting the congressmen again in the future.”
photo: (l to r) Benjamin Wolff, Jared Karbowsky, and Congressman Anthony Brown received instructions from John Manco and Tommy Ray on how to use breathing apparatus.
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