6200 Belcrest Road Hyattsville, MD 20782
Interviewers: Harold Minor, Brandon Ward, and Cesar Herrera
Date: June 26, 2002
It was an extremely hot June day. As we entered the fire station we saw lots of heat-exhausted firefighters temporarily resting. The firefighters greeted us in a friendly manner, asking us how can we be helped.
They told us that the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department is one of 48 fire stations in Prince George's County. The Hyattsville Volunteer Department's building on Belcrest Road was originally built in 1968 and will be going under a $300,000 renovation to improve the fire station. At this location there are currently six full time employees, and many other volunteers. We found out that volunteer firefighters do actually get paid.
Firefighter John Inman was a very cheerful and funny person to interview. He told us he always wanted to be a firefighter or police officer growing up because he likes to help people, and even after 15 years he still really likes his job. John said that there are just as many miscellaneous emergency traffic accidents and medical emergencies as calls about fires themselves. Regarding volunteer opportunities for young people, we learned that you must be 18 years of age and have completed a high school education in order to become a career firefighter. However you can work as a volunteer at 16. There are no paid internships.
Without a question, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department is a major asset to our county, because they enable citizens to feel safe in their homes and businesses.
By: Brandon Ward
