Maryland Firefighter Named The American Legion’s National Firefighter of the Year

Darren O. Ware, assistant fire chief of the Prince George's County (Md.) Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and a 21-year veteran of the department, received The American Legion’s National Firefighter of the Year Award on Aug. 23 during the organization’s 99^th National Convention in Reno, Nev.

Ware is a nationally certified instructor and a dedicated teacher, and served a lengthy term as a Big Brother.

From 1988 to 1992, Ware served with the Old Guard regiment of the U.S. Army, and was a member of the Presidential Honor Guard.

On April 20, 2016 - already a hard day as the department was conducting services for a member killed in the line of duty - Ware, on his way home from his shift, took the initiative and lead in rescuing a driver from a vehicle fire.

The American Legion’s National Firefighter of the Year Award is presented annually to a firefighter who has exceeded the requirements expected of his or her position and has shown a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement.

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