Firefighter With Prince George's Roots Killed In Afghanistan

KENTLAND, MD — Local firefighters are mourning the loss of a Marine and New York City firefighter who began his career in Prince George's County. Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Slutman was identified as one of three American troops killed Monday in a roadside bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to media reports.

New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio ordered flags across the city to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Slutman, radio station WTOP reported.

"Through this trying time, we will remember Chris for the father, husband, brother, son, and friend that he was, the moral character he displayed daily, and the courage and conviction to serve his fellow Americans, both at home and abroad," said Chief Oleg Pelekhaty of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, where Ladderman Slutman served as a Life Member.

A Prince George's County native, Slutman started out by serving as a volunteer with the Upper Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department, county fire officials told WTOP.

He later joined the District Heights and Kentland volunteer fire departments before serving with the D.C. fire department and moving to New York.

Slutman is survived by his wife, Shannon, and three young daughters, WTOP reported.

Pelekhaty said that the Kentland department will release details, should more become available, regarding arrangements for the fallen firefighter.

"We ask for your thoughts and prayers for his firehouse brothers, his fellow Marines, his friends – but most of all, his family," he said.