Police shut down Sharon Road in Temple Hills for several hours while the shooting of three men, including two firefighters, was investigated. Photo courtesy of PGPD
UPDATE Sunday, April 17 at 7 a.m.
Press statement from PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady
Upper Marlboro, MD –The man accused of shooting and killing Prince Georges County Fire-EMS Firefighter Paramedic John “Skillet” Ulmschneider, who was performing a welfare check Friday at the man’s home was released from custody late this afternoon, but the investigation continues.
Prince George’s Police Department (PGPD) has not yet identified the man, who is accused of killing 37-year-old Firefighter-Paramedic John Ulmschneider, a husband and father of a 2-year-old girl.
Volunteer Firefighter Swain, 19 years of age, remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. His family is with him as well as many members of PGFD, PGFD’s Morningside VFD Co. 27 and the Baltimore City FD that have provided support since FF Swain arrived at Shock Trauma. FF Swain is also a member of nearby Carroll County’s Sykesville VFD.
Two other Morningside Volunteers sustained injuries immediately after the shootings while seeking cover. One firefighter sustained a knee injury and another sustained injury to her jaw. Both members were treated at a local hospital and released early this morning.
They responded to the Temple Hills home around 6:30 p.m. Friday to check on the welfare of the occupant after a concerned relative of the occupant called 911. After arriving on the scene and receiving no answer to knocks on the door, a decision was made to force entry into the house and check on the occupant. As personnel initiated forcible entry, several shots were fired from within the house striking FF/PM Ulmschneider, FF/EMT Swain and the family member who called 911, The relative was shot in the shoulder and was in fair condition at the hospital.
It appears that the occupant thought his house was being broken into.
Memorial service information
Memorial services to remember the life of PGFD Firefighter-Paramedic John “Skillet” Ulmschneider have been finalized. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at: St. John’s Parish, 43950 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, MD 20636
The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 1 p.m., also at St. John’s Parish. A private family burial will follow the funeral mass. A repast will be held to celebrate “Skillet’s” life following the funeral mass at the: Hollywood Fire Department, 24801 Three Notch Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.
UPDATE – Saturday evening, April 16 at 9 p.m.
Palmer Park, MD – Several DC area news outlets are reporting that the unidentified man who allegedly shot two firefighters and another man early Friday evening, April 15 has been released from police custody with no charges filed.
One of the firefighters, John Ulmschneider, died from gunshot wounds late last night. The other firefighter, identified as Kevin Swain, remains in serious condition at an area hospital.
UPDATE – Saturday evening, April 16
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan has released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Prince George’s County firefighter John Ulmschneider. Our administration is committed to working with Prince George’s County officials as necessary, and the Maryland State Police is prepared to assist local law enforcement officials with their ongoing investigation.
“The First Lady and I send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of John Ulmschneider, who gave his life trying to protect the community he served. His legacy as a husband, father and firefighter, and his commitment to protecting others, will not soon be forgotten by his loved ones, the community, or Maryland.
“In honor and remembrance of a true hero, I have ordered the flags to be flown at half staff.”
UPDATE – Saturday, April 16
The following is a statement from Prince George’s County Fire Department Chief Spokesman Mark E. Brady
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is mourning the death of one of our own and praying for the best of a second member. Firefighter/Medic John E. Ulmschneider was shot and killed while on a call Friday evening. A Morningside Volunteer Firefighter, Kevin Swain, was shot multiple times and at last check was undergoing surgery.
At around 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 15, fire/EMS units from Morningside Fire/EMS Station 827 and Paramedic Ambulance from Forestville Fire/EMS Station 823 with Ulmschneider on-board were alerted for a “check on the welfare” call whereas a family member could not contact another family member that resides in a home in the 5000 block of Sharon Road in Temple Hills.
After arriving on the scene and receiving no answer to knocks on the door and fearing for the occupants welfare a decision was made to force entry into the house to check on the occupant. As personnel initiated forcible entry several shots were fired from within the house striking Ulmschneider, Swain and a family member that called 911 initially. The home occupant/shooter quickly surrendered upon orders from the police.
Fire Fighter/Medic Ulmschneider, 37 years of age, was transported in extremely critical condition to Med Star Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite the very best efforts of medics and hospital staff Ulmschneider succumbed to his injuries a short time after arriving at the hospital. John “Skillet” Ulmschneider lived in St. Mary’s County and was a 13-year member of the Fire/EMS Department. His normal duty assignment is at Landover Hills Fire/EMS Station 830. He leaves behind a wife and 2-year-old daughter.
Morningside Volunteer Fire Fighter Kevin Swain, 19 years of age, was flown from the scene by way of Maryland State Trooper 2 to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He was in surgery at last check and listed in Serious Condition. Swain is expected to survive his injuries.
A third person, an adult male civilian, sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He was in Fair condition,
The County Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor informed the Department of the Line of Duty Death and asked, “Please keep all of our folks and their families in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time.”
Andrew Pantelis, President of the Prince George’s County Firefighters and Paramedics Association Local 1619, said in a written statement to his members, “This is a day that we have all dreaded in our minds. We are keenly aware of the dangers of our profession but we all have hoped that God would continue to look over and protect us. Now that tragedy has stricken us, we must not fall apart but stand strong and band together to support Skillet’s family and those who are closest to him.”
As additional details, including funeral arrangements, become available they will be posted.
UPDATE at 11:30 p.m.
Prince George’s County Police have confirmed one of the firefighters shot Friday evening, April 15 in Temple Hills has died.
According to sources close to the story, firefighter/paramedic John Ulmschneider died at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton.
Another firefighter, identified as Kevin Swain, was flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma where he remains in critical condition.
A suspect in the shooting, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., is in police custody.
UPDATE at 9:30 p.m.
Prince George’s County Police Department has confirmed a suspect in the shooting is in custody. Two firefighters and one other person were shot at a home in Temple Hills.
Temple Hills, MD – Sources are reporting Friday evening, April 15 that two Prince George’s County firefighters have been shot and wounded at a home in Temple Hills. Both firefighters and another unidentified person who was also shot have been taken to Washington, DC area hospitals.
Both firefighters are reported to be in critical condition and one was flown to a trauma center.
Sources close to the story reported the firefighters were dispatched to the home on Sharon Road to check on the welfare of resident. There are reports from local fire companies that the two wounded responders were members of the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department.
More details when the information becomes available.
