The Riverdale Fire Department is sponsoring a carnival in the parking lot of the Alamo Plaza.  The Plaza is located in the 5500 block of Kenilworth Avenue.  The Carnival runs throughout Sunday, April 11th.

During the week (Monday - Friday) the Carnival will open at 6:00 PM and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) it will open at 1:00 PM.

If you have an opportunity, come out and support the department and have a little fun in the process. 

Firefighter Michael McClary was released from the hospital this afternoon.  He is still suffering from his injuries sustained when crewmembers were forced to make a hasty retreat from a house fire at 6404 57th Ave. in Riverdale Heights when fire conditions coupled with high wind gusts caused fire to envelop the crews from E807B and TK809 upon entry to the house.  It is believed that another firefighter fell on top of FF McClary, who suffered bruised ribs and cartilage damage.

Three other members of the crew from E807B (Lt. Michael Naples, FF Michael Olszewski, and FF Roberto ramirez) were treated and released for minor burns and smoke inhalation last night.

Two members of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire department are still in the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit with critcal burn injuries.  FF Kevin O'Toole suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over approxiamately 40% of his body, and FF Ethan Sorrell suffered respiratory burns.  We will continue to keep them both and thier families in our thoughts and prayers during their recovery.

At 2109 hrs. on Friday, February 24, 2012 units were alerted to respond to the reported house fire at 6404 57th Avenue in Riverdale Heights.  E807B, E809 and TK809 arrived on the scene within minutes and reported a 2 story single family dwelling with fire showing from the basement window and requested the working fire dispatch.

E807B advanced an attack line to the front door and awaited forced entry from TK809.  Upon entry, crews were only able to advance into the home 5 - 10 feet when the then entire first floor erupted in flames forcing the crews to evacuate the structure.  During this period, crewmembers from E807B and TK809 suffered various injuries.  The Emergency Identifier from TK809's crewmember was activated, and commnad ordered all personnel to evacuate the building.  Command also requested the working fire task force and an EMS task force due the the report of injured firefighters.  While EMS crews were tending to the injured firefighters, crews from the remaining units on the call made quick work of containing and extinguishing the fire.   

In total 4 members of Riverdale (807), 2 members of Bladensburg (809) and 1 member of College Park (812) were transported to MedStar for evaluation and treatment. 

The Riverdale Fire Department is looking for your support.  A group of members from the Riverdale Fire Department have teamed up to help fight Childhood Cancer.  They are collecting donations for the St. Baldrick's Foundation with a team goal of $5000. The St. Baldrick's Foundation raises money and gives grants solely for childhood cancer research.  The foundation donated over $78,000,000 in grants over the past 7 years and are the second leading funding source, only surpassed by the US government, for childhood cancer research.

Team RV7FD has a few fundraisiers planned to help with raising money.  You can help several ways.  You can click the St. Baldrick's banner at the top of the page and it will take you directly to the team page where you can donate directly to the team.  You can attend our Quarter Auction that will be hosted at the Bowie Elks Lodge at 1506 Defense Hwy, Crofton MD.  You can also purchase a shirt that the team is selling to help raise money for $20.  You can contact Jay Johns by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to purchase a t-shirt or for tickets for the quarter auction. 

On March 10, 2012 Team RV7FD will be at Looney's Pub in College Park MD to get our heads shaved. Come on out and join in the fun for a worthy cause. 

Running into burning buildings does not make us heroes, fighting for the kids does. So on March 10th we will all wear our capes proudly as we are shaved in solidarity with children who are fighting cancer all over the world.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Earlier today, a former volunteer with the department was arrested on charges of First Degree Arson stemming from the ongoing investigation into a number of arson fires that occurred in or around June 2008. He was arrested by out-of-state law enforcement agencies and awaits extradition back to Prince George’s County to stand trial for his alleged actions.

The Riverdale Fire Department has continued to cooperate with the PGF/EMSD and other law enforcement agencies during the course of this investigation. The Prince George’s County Fire Investigators were assisted by Special Agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the County Police Department in the investigation that led to the arrest. If convicted, this individual may face up to 30 years of potential prison time, fines up to $50,000 or both.

This arrest should in no way reflect on the dedication that the majority of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel put forth each and every day protecting life and property. The Riverdale Fire Department and the many other volunteer organizations continue to provide a professional and competent volunteer force answering the majority of fire and EMS calls during nights, weekends and holidays. We continue to reinforce our commitment to the Town of Riverdale Park and the surrounding communities. The department stands steadfast against any such activity.

While these are the alleged actions of an individual, we as a department sincerely apologize to the community and ask that you not prejudge all volunteers on the basis of these allegations. As in any profession, there are those that do not act responsibly, and they will be called to answer. We appreciate the support we have received during the entire course of the investigation from our fellow volunteers and community, and we stand true to our motto: Always Ready to Serve.

This is the only statement, public or private, that the department will issue on this matter.