County Police Officers Honored for Local Heroics

Four Prince George's County police officers were commended for their acts of bravery and service to the community during fire in College Park.

The Fire Chief’s Award was presented to 14-year veteran Corporal Eric N. Lee, seven-year veteran Corporal Matthew P. Ling, five-year veteran Police Officer First Class Daniel Gonzalez, and four-year veteran Police Officer First Class Jonathan A. Eyler.

All four officers were working in College Park on Feb. 4 when they noticed smoke billowing out of the sixth-story of the Spellman House Apartments on Berwyn House Rd. in College Park. The Spellman House Apartments house senior citizens and the mobility impaired.

The officers made their way to the sixth floor, located the apartment where the smoke and fire originated, and forced their way through heat and smoke to check for occupants. After confirming there was no one in the apartment, they left and proceeded to help the building's occupants to safety.

“These heroic actions typify the law enforcement professionals who work for our agency.  Each one of these officers did not think twice about risking their own lives in order to bring others to safety.  I want to thank them for their dedication, valor, and commitment to the residents of Prince George’s County,” stated Prince George’s County Chief of Police Mark Magaw, in a press release issued by the police department.