Chaplain for PGFD quits over direction of the department. Alvin Graham was recruited by recently fired top aide to Chief Eugene Jones.

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STATter911.com has learned that Alvin G. Graham, an ordained minister and the chaplain for the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, has turned in his car and department equipment. Contacted by phone at his Upper Marlboro home, Graham, 64, confirmed he informed PGFD Chief Eugene Jones on Friday of his immediate resignation.

Graham said he was concerned about the direction of the department, particularly plans that had the chaplain corps reporting to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) instead of directly to the fire chief. Graham believes it is important to work with EAP, but says the spiritual mission he is responsible for is something quite different.

Sources indicate that Alvin Graham is close friends with Lt. Col. Victor Stagnaro, who was fired by Chief Jones on Monday. According to the sources, it was Stagnaro who recruited Graham to fill the volunteer position.

Chief Jones said through a spokesman on Monday, that contrary to STATter911.com’s report, the departure had to do with Col. Stagnaro’s intention to retire and that Stagnaro is on leave until February 12, his retirement date.

Those familiar with the situation tell STATter911.com, that while Alvin Graham had serious concerns about the restructuring of the chaplain’s position, the timing of the firing on Monday and Graham’s resignation on Friday are not a coincidence.

PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, upon hearing the news about Chaplain Graham’s resignation, said Graham will be greatly missed. Brady told us the chaplain has been a constant presence at significant department events, both happy and sad, over the last nine years.

Alvin Graham was born in Fairmont Heights, Maryland. He moved to Seattle, Washington in 1963 and returned to Prince George’s County in 2000. Graham said he came back in an effort to make a difference in the community where he grew up.

In other PGFD news, Major Steve Hess has been named acting  lieutenant colonel of Administrative Services. This is part of the realignment after the dismissal of Stagnaro. According to sources, Human Resources, which had come under Administrative Services, has now been moved to Management Services, headed by Lt. Col. Angela Peden.