John Ulmschneider - Firefighter Fatality - Maryland

Firefighter John Ulmschneider, age 37, died in the line of duty on April 15, 2016, at a hospital in Clinton, Maryland. 

John Ulmschneider

Firefighter Ulmschneider was a member of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. He had 13 years of service. 

During the early evening of April 15th, the Fire Department received a request to do a welfare check on a man at a home in Temple Hills, Maryland. Temple Hills is a suburb of Washington, D.C. Relatives were concerned that a diabetic man in his early 60's was not responding to phone calls. 

About 7:30 p.m., John and several other firefighters arrived at the house and checked for open doors or windows. They banged on the door and called out but got no response. They decided to force entry in case someone inside was passed out. 

As they entered, the resident shot at the firefighters, striking John Ulmschneider, Kevin Swain and one of the resident's own relatives who had come to the scene. 

John was rushed to a hospital where, tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. 

Kevin Swain and the wounded relative of the shooter will survive their injuries.  

The shooter has been questioned and released by Police. He stated that he thought he was being robbed and therefore shot in self-defense.

That is the lamest of excuses. Is it pitch dark at 7:30 p.m. in Temple Hills? Do you not see your own relative coming in with men dressed in Fire Department gear? Do you shoot first and then look to see who you've shot?  

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for John
and for those who have
lost him.

The Prince George's County Fire Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. John was a hard working country boy who loved his job. He had always wanted to be a firefighter. He was dedicated to his profession. He will be forever remembered.

John's loved ones are devastated over his tragic death. He was a caring and loving man and he was loved in return. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

John is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife and two year old daughter.

Thank you for your service to the community, John. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

God save us from those who shoot first and ask questions later. Amen.

Pray that John is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.