From the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga July 2025

(From Left to Right) Sergeant Hibbert (Prince George’s Police Department), Sergeant Pastrorek (Maryland Transportation Authority), Former Commander Fisher (PGPD), Councilmember Tom Dernoga, Chief of Staff Michelle García, Commander Lieutenant David Ramnath (MTA), and Corporal Jones (PGPD) at the Community Connection Food Truck at the Brick Yard on May 17, 2025

Thanking PGPD Major Fisher #2575 for 25 Years of Service

Our office would like to thank Major Jason Fisher #2575 from the Prince George’s Police Department for over 25 years of service and congratulate him as he advances in his career. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, he began his new assignment and will no longer serve as the Commander of Beltsville Division VI. Major Baath is now the Acting Commander of Beltsville Division VI.

Since he began with the Prince George’s Police Department at the end of 1999, he has directed virtually all aspects of organizational operations for over 200 full-time police personnel during his tenure. His sincere care for the community has kept Beltsville safe for all residents and led community engagement as the Commander of Division VI. He also cared for our local police officers, cared for the needs of our officers, maintaining the stability and longevity of Division VI when he served as the President of the Prince George’s County Police Command Officers’ Association, We all ttruly thank him for his years of committed service and wish him the best in his next assignment with the Police Department.

Staying Cool and Safe from Heat-Related Incidents

When extreme heat weather events bring unsafe and potentially fatal temperatures, it is critical to stay out of the heat, stay cool, and stay hydrated. The permanent cooling center for Beltsville is the Vansville Community Center, located at 6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, 20705. Additionally, the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, located at 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, 20707, will also serve as a cooling center. Please see the list of cooling centers in District One and throughout the County here: https://tinyurl.com/D1Cooloff.

Unfortunately, six Maryland residents died from heat-related incidents in 2024, four of whom were Prince George’s County residents. Let’s keep our neighbors and families safe. First, make sure you know the warning signs of heat-related health issues. These issues include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps manifest as muscle pain and extreme cramping. Heat exhaustion manifests as dehydration, cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin, extreme weakness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and faintness. Heatstroke manifests as body temperatures over 105 degrees Fahrenheit, dry and red skin, a rapid and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing, convulsions, disorientation, delirium, and potentially heat-induced coma. To address heat cramps, stop all activities, find a rest area, drink fluids (avoid caffeinated products and alcohol), and wait for a few hours before resuming activity. Heat cramps can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you experience heat exhaustion again, drink fluids, find a cool, shaded resting place, and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve within one hour. If you are facing heat stroke, cool off with cool, wet towels to lower your body temperature and call 911. Be careful when giving fluids; do not give fluids if the victim refuses water, vomits, or has fainted.

Here are suggestions to help cope with extreme heat. Drink plenty of fluids while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and overly sweet beverages. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, and stay in cool, shaded locations whenever possible. Avoid consuming salty products or items that lead to dehydration. If you have to engage in physical activities, do so during the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler, and take breaks to cool off. Also, be sure to protect your pets by keeping them cool, well-hydrated, and never leaving them in a parked vehicle. Stay safe and take these precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your animals during periods of extreme heat.

Transitioning Your Federal Resume Workshop

Join Employ Prince George’s to prepare your resume for a shift to the private sector. This workshop will provide detailed guidance and assistance in transforming your federal resume into a targeted two-page private industry resume tailored for your next career move. There will be a virtual session from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, July 28. Register via https://tinyurl.com/FedResVirtual.

Join our District 1 eNewsletter

We will email you about twice a month to provide you with updates on local happenings and, on occasion, alert you to important county news. Sign up at https://bit.ly/D1eNewsletterOptIn.

Contact Us

Please keep in touch. You can email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-3887. Se habla español. አማርኛ እንናገራለን. Follow us on Facebook, X, Threads, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1.