Slain Maryland Firefighter Mourned, Second Expected to Survive

»News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: BOWIE or “like” us on Facebook.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: The homeowner who police say shot three people in Temple Hills Friday night has been released from custody, police said. No charges have been filed.

Updated at 5 p.m.

TEMPLE HILLS, MD — A Prince George’s County is mourning the death of a family man and firefighter who died when someone he went to care for unloaded multiple gunshots, striking two firefighters.

Firefighter/paramedic John Ulmschneider, 37, died Friday night Southern Maryland Hospital Center from a gunshot wound to the upper body suffered when he was part of a crew that responded to a call for a welfare check at a Temple Hills residence.

Also wounded in the encounter is Morningside volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain, 19, who was shot four times, underwent surgery Friday night and was listed in serious condition Saturday. Fire officials said Swain is expected to survive his injuries.

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

“As we rise for another day, Firefighter/Paramedic Ulmschneider will not. May he rest in eternal peace. Continue prayers,” County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor said on Twitter.

What Happened on Call?

Fire/EMS units from Morningside Fire/EMS Station 827 and a paramedic ambulance from Forestville Fire/EMS Station 823 with Ulmschneider onboard were sent about 7:30 p.m. Friday to check on the welfare of a man. Authorities said a family member could not contact a man who lives in a home at 5007 Sharon Road in Temple Hills.

When nobody responded to knocks on the door, firefighter decided to force their way into the house, worried that the resident was unwell. As the would-be rescuers began to enter, several shots were fired from within the house, striking Ulmschneider, Swain and the family member who had called 911 initially.

The home owner quickly surrendered upon orders from the police, officials said.

Prince George’s County Police have not identified the shooter.

Biographies of Victims

Ulmschneider, nicknamed “Skillet,” lived in St. Mary’s County and was a 13-year member of the Fire/EMS Department. His normal duty assignment is at Landover Hills Fire/EMS Station 830.

He leaves behind a wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Swain was flown from the scene to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he underwent surgery.

The family member who went to the home with emergency responders suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder and taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was in fair condition Saturday, said officials, who have not released his name.

County Mourns Loss

Fire Chief Bashoor asked, “Please keep all of our folks and their families in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements for Ulmschneider have not yet been announced.

Andrew Pantelis, president of the Prince George’s County Firefighters and Paramedics Association Local 1619, said in a statement to his members, “This is a day that we have all dreaded in our minds. We are keenly aware of the dangers of our profession but we all have hoped that God would continue to look over and protect us. Now that tragedy has stricken us, we must not fall apart, but stand strong and band together to support Skillet's family and those who are closest to him.”

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.”

At a press conference Friday night, Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank 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.

“Our hearts are heavy this weekend at the loss of a member of the county's public safety family,” police said on the department’s Facebook page Saturday. “Our police family extends our deepest sympathies to the PGFD and the family and friends of Firefighter/Medic Ulmschneider. … Our thoughts and well wishes are also with Kevin Swain.”

Benjamin Barksdale, assistant fire chief, on Friday 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.

No police officers fired their weapons during the incident.

Statement from County Executive

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released the following statement following the fatal shooting and line of duty death of Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider:

“Having the courage to be the first to arrive on scenes of peril and chaos and forced to make life and death decisions in matter of moments takes a special type of character that exists only in the few among us. However, this County has many of these souls and last night, tragically, another one of them was taken from us again.

For the past 13 years, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider, known lovingly as “Skillet,” built a reputation as a dependable family man who loved serving this County as both a firefighter and paramedic. From being the first to arrive at scenes, to being the last to stay behind and follow up on those he cared for, Firefighter/Medic Ulmschneider reflected the type of values and dedication that so many of our firefighters, paramedics, first responders, and government employees possess. His service, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice to this County will never be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter/Medic Ulmschneider’s family and friends, the men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department, the Prince George’s County Firefighters and Paramedics Association Local 1619, as they reflect, grieve, and recover from this horrible tragedy. I also want to send my thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to Morningside Volunteer Fire Fighter Kevin Swain who is currently recovering from multiple gunshot wounds at University of Maryland Shock Trauma. I want our strong family of volunteer firefighters to know that we are here to assist and support.

All county flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider. Furthermore, the Prince George’s County government is providing any firefighter, paramedic, or first responder grief counseling if needed.”

»Artwork courtesy of MCP Officer Rose Borisow, Montgomery County Police Department; recruit photo of Firefighter/Medic John Ernest Ulmschneider taken 13 years ago, shared by Prince George's County Fire Department