Emergency services personnel in Maryland are mourning the loss of a Prince George’s County firefighter/paramedic shot and killed Friday night on an EMS call.
FF/Medic John ‘Skillet’ Ulmschneider, 37, was shot in the chest as he entered the home of a diabetic man he thought may have needed treatment.
He was rushed to Southern Maryland Hospital where he died of his injury.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 19 from 5 - 8 p.m.at St. John's Parish, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood.
A Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the same church. The burial will be private following the service.
Probe Underway
The man who fired the shots as Ulmschneider and Morningside Firefighter Kevin Swain, 19, has not been charged.
He was released after being questioned by Prince George’s County Police. Family members told local reporters he opened fire fearing someone was breaking into his house. Neighbors were shocked by the events as well.
The investigation is continuing, and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney will determine if charges are warranted. Another option would be to have a grand jury examine the facts.
Update of Incident Details
Fire and rescue personnel were called to the Temple Hills residence by a resident concerned about his brother’s welfare. When he failed to answer the door, Ulmschneider Swain decided to make forcible entry. And, that’s when shots rang out.
Swain, 19, a volunteer at Morningside Vol. Fire Co., was struck four times, while the man's brother was hit once.
“Two Morningside firefighters, who initially took cover after hearing the gunfire, left that cover to pull Swain out of the way. He was still lying close to the house. They immediately took him to the rescue engine, which transported him to the landing zone where they met the helicopter,” said Mark Brady, spokesman for Prince George’s County Fire/EMS.
Swain was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
Both firefighters who ran to Swain’s aid were injured. One suffered a knee injury, while the other fractured her jaw when she fell into the engine as they arrived with their injured friend. They were treated and released from the hospital on Saturday,
One of the bullets came within an inch or so of Swain’s spinal column.
“He is so lucky, unbelievably lucky,” said Bill Rehkopf, spokesman for Sykesville Freedom District Fire Dept.
Swain is a member of Sykesville, but was volunteering in Morningside when he was shot.
He was initially listed in critical condition, but upgraded, and moved out of intensive care.
Firefighters from Morningside and Sykesville have been visiting with him as he recovers. They’ve been going in small groups so he can get his rest. Gov. Larry Hogan also stopped by to check on him.
“He’s in good spirits, and says he’ll be ready to get back on the fire engine soon,” Rehkopf said, adding that his positive attitude is remarkable.
“We, like everyone, were in shock when we heard about it Friday night. Rarely does a firefighter get shot and killed in the line of duty…”
As their friend lies in a hospital bed, Sykesville personnel continue to answer calls.
Protocol
When the firefighters forced their way into the man’s house to render aid, they were within guidelines.
“There was absolutely no violation of protocol. They acted appropriately. It was the correct decision,” Brady said, adding that they were concerned the person needed immediate medical attention.
