Maryland Firefighter Shot and Killed in Temple Hills; Second Remains in Critical Condition

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Updated at 11:40 p.m.

TEMPLE HILLS, MD — A Prince George’s County firefighter has died, and a second remains in critical condition after they were shot Friday night while responding to a medical call, authorities said.

County officials, including the police chief, confirmed the death of firefighter/paramedic John Ulmschneider, 37, just after 11 p.m. Friday.

Grant Walker, acting president of the firefighers’ union, thanked everyone who has reached out to support the department.

“It’s a tragedy, our firefighter was a friend to many.”

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The department said on its Facebook page that the shooting happened about 8 p.m. at 5007 Sharon Road in Temple Hills.

One suspect is in custody, and there no additional suspects, according to Prince George's County Police.

Ulmschneider was flown to Southern Maryland Hospital Center, where he died.

The second firefighter, a volunteer, is undergoing surgery for critical injuries at Shock Trauma University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, officials said late Friday. That shooting victim has not been identified.

The firefighters were responding to a call for a welfare check when shots were fired as they approached a house, fire department spokesman Mark Brady said.

At a press conference, Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said a resident had been talking with someone who was worried the Temple Hills resident may have suffered a medical condition, so 911 was called. The person inside the home didn’t respond to firefighters, who then tried to enter the home.

The resident at that point fired several rounds at the firefighters and police officers who accompanied them.

Officials said the resident who fired the shots has been cooperating with police.

Stawinski said he was profoundly sorry to discuss the loss of a firefighter just 24 hours after a state trooper was critically wounded in the county.

Benjamin Barksdale, assistant fire chief, said the firefighters’ families are with the shooting victims.

Barksdale described his emotions: “Anger that this has happened, firefighters aren’t armed, we’re there to render care, but someone starts shooting.”

He added that he understands that in this day, the resident may have been worried that someone was breaking into the house.

State’s Attorney Sharon Alsobrooks said she feels sorrow for the slain firefighter’s wife and children. The county’s homicide chief and a prosecutor are at the scene to review the evidence as he case proceeds.

A civilian was also shot, that person's were injuries were described as not serious.

No police officers fired their weapons during the incident.

One of the firefighters was with an ambulance crew, while the other was with a fire department engine crew.

»Photo of shooting scene in Temp.e Hills, courtesy of Prince George's County Police