New Prince George's County Fire Chief Collapses At Fireworks Demonstration

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The newly appointed fire chief for Prince George's County, Thelmetria Michaelides, collapsed Wednesday during a Fourth of July fireworks safety demonstration held at the fire department’s training academy in Cheltenham.

Fire Chief Thelmetria “Meme” Michaelides was sworn in Monday and collapsed during the fireworks safety demonstration. She was treated at the scene by her own crew before being taken to MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center by ambulance. She was conscious and breathing. Officials said the emergency was not life-threatening and she has fully recovered.

“I am so thankful for the immediate care and compassion that I received from our own fire/EMS department firefighters and paramedics,” Michaelides stated on social media. "As well as for the expert care I received at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. I am grateful for all the prayers and well-wishes offered by so many in our incredible community.”

Michaelides retired in 2013 after 26 years with the fire department. During her career, she served as an emergency medical technician, a cardiac respiratory technician and an emergency medical technician-paramedic. She also will become first female bomb tech in Prince George’s County, the first African American female bomb tech in the county and in the state of Maryland, and only the second female bomb tech in Maryland.

Recently retired Fire Chief Tiffany Green will serve as the assistant deputy chief administrative officer for public safety. Green also made history as the first female fire chief in the county.