Chief who handled fire inside station is operationally suspended by PGFD. Assistant Chief Antwan Jordan spoke out about staffing issues.

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Boulevard Heights VFD Assistant Chief Antwan Jordan.

See STATter911.com’s previous coverage of the story

Boulevard Heights VFD Assistant Chief Antwan Jordan tells STATter911.com he received papers today from the Emergency Operations Command of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department saying he was “operationally suspended” until further notice. Chief Jordan says the papers indicate the suspension is being done as part of an investigation into an incident Monday morning where a fire engine caught fire inside the firehouse (Station 817).

Jordan says he was given indication that the investigation is over how the incident was handled, including the decision to drive the reserve engine into the firehouse after the crew noticed an unusual odor as they returned from a call just before 2:00 AM. On Monday morning Chief Jordan said the crew was not sure if the odor was coming from the fire engine or somewhere outside the station. According to Chief Jordan it was only later that the firefighters noticed the engine was burning.

Chief Jordan does not believe his suspension is over his decision to talk publicly about the new staffing plan implemented by PGFD Chief Eugene Jones. Jordan said, “They wouldn’t do that”.

A number of PGFD sources indicate that Chief Jones and other county officials are upset by Jordan’s statements linking the staffing plan and the fire. The next closest firehouse to Station 817 had its career staffing removed under the new plan and was unable to respond to assist Boulevard Heights.

PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady said on Monday a second engine was sent simultaneously and from almost an equal distance away. Brady made it clear that the administration believes the staffing issue and the fire at Station 817 are two different issues.

So far there is no official comment from PGFD on the actions taken against Chief Jordan.

Chief Jordan said he was the only driver in the station shortly after the letter was delivered Monday afternoon. It meant that the station was unable to respond to emergencies. Boulevard Heights has it a difficult time staffing its equipment after career firefighters were removed from night and weekend shifts. The company failed to respond on approximately 80 calls between Friday and Monday.