Morningside Firefighter Shot on Call Out of Intensive Care

The volunteer firefighter who was shot four times during a welfare check – a call that cost another Prince George’s County firefighter his life – has improved enough to move out of intensive care, officials said Monday.

Morningside Volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain, 19, has been hospitalized at the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore since he was shot Friday night. A Temple Hills resident reportedly thought his home was being broken into when he shot two emergency responders and a relative trying to check on his welfare.

Firefighter/paramedic John Ulmschneider, 37, died Friday night at Southern Maryland Hospital Center from a gunshot wound to the upper body suffered on the call. Police have not identified the homeowner, who was released from custody, and authorities said no charges were filed.

Swain has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and into a private room, according to Prince George’s County Fire Department officials. He suffered four gunshot wounds while answering a 911 call on Sharon Road in Temple Hills on Friday evening.
A constant vigil of co-workers, as well as family members and friends, have been at Swain’s bedside. Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor spent some time with Kevin and his family Monday afternoon.

Swain is also a member of nearby Carroll County's Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department.

Ulmschneider Memorial Service Details

The visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at St. John's Parish, 43950 St. John's Road in Hollywood.

The funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 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 in Hollywood, MD.

»SEE ALSO: Maryland Firefighter Shot and Killed in Temple Hills; Second Remains in Critical Condition

No Charges Filed Against Homeowner in Fatal Shooting of Maryland Firefighter: Police

Online Fundraiser for Family

An online fundraiser for Ulmschneider’s wife and daughter has been established by IAFF Local 1619: Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters Association.

The goal listed on the You Caring website is $14,803, chosen by the local to honor “Skillet,” as his friends and colleagues called him, by using fire department I.D. number, 14803, as the target amount. By Monday evening, nearly $22,000 had been donated.

The donation site is below.

»Image of Kevin Swain provided by the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department