| At the request of many, we are posting the press release given in reference to the recent injuries suffered from the incident while performing the live fire training exercise a few weeks ago. Just as an update, Steve is still in alot of pain, but is home and has been for about 2 weeks. He is out and about and slowly recovering, and wants to express his sincere thanks for all of the calls, messages, thoughts and prayers he has been receiving from everyone. Any questions should be directed to Cliff Butler or Vice President Ronnie Wright at the station! Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and messages of concern. The press release is as follows:
Press Release
Injured Volunteer Firefighters
Charles County, Maryland
The Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Inc. was conducting a live fire training exercise on August 8, 2009 at Banks "O" Dee Road in Newburg, Charles County, Maryland when three volunteer firefighters were injured. The firefighters received injuries from a masterstream deluge gun that became dislodged from its staged location and struck them.
The department sponsored a training exercise with neighboring stations at a donated acquired structure. At the conclusion of the successful live fire training evolution, firefighters were wrapping up operations by dousing hot spots at training site. While water was flowing from the deluge gun, it began to slide out of position and whipped into the path of three nearby firefighters before it could be shut down.
One neighboring volunteer firefighter was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. Two volunteer firefighters were flown to Prince George's Hospital Center. One of them is being held overnight for observation, with minor injuries. The last victim was Newburg's Volunteer Fire Chief, Steve Shifflett, who remains in stable condition with what is described as non-life threatening injuries.
Media inquiries are directed to contact the department's Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief Clifton Butler or Vice President Ronnie Wright at the numbers listed below. |
