'Firefighter of the Year' Honors to Prince George's Battalion Chief

On Thursday, acting firefighter and Medic Battalion Chief Ernest Shaun Lindqvist received the American Legion, Department of Maryland “Career Firefighter of the Year” award, according to a news release.

In April, Lindqvist was selected for the award by both the American Legion’s Southern Maryland District Council and the Prince George’s County Council. Deputy Fire Chief Corey A. Smedley represented the Fire/EMS Department at the awards ceremony, which will take place at the organization’s convention in Ocean City, MD.

“There are many reasons why I am extremely proud of Ernie Lindqvist, including overall work ethic, academic accomplishments and for his selection as the American Legion Firefighter of the Year,” said Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor. “I congratulate him on his well-deserved award and look forward to calling him Doctor Lindqvist in the very near future.”

Lindqvist’s notable academic achievements include a B.S. in fire science with minor in emergency management from the University of Maryland University College in 2010. He furthered his education by receiving a master’s in public administration with a concentration in disaster management from American Public University in 2012. Presently, he is completing studies to obtain his doctorate of philosophy in public policy and administration with a focus on public safety and emergency management atWalden University.

Upon becoming a career member of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Departmentin November 2000, Battalion Chief Lindqvist was already trained as both a firefighter and paramedic. During his tenure, he progressed through the ranks and served in many Fire/EMS Stations throughout the county. He is currently assigned to the department’s Training and Leadership Academy as the deputy director of the academy, overseeing all aspects of fire, rescue, EMS, and professional development training, as well as the High School Cadet Program.

Lindqvist’s fascination with the fire service began at the age of eight, when he became a member of the Junior Firefighters, a youth mentoring program with the Virgin Islands Fire Service, in his hometown of St. Thomas. The program provides guidance counseling and education in the areas of firefighting, fire prevention, fire safety, and leadership to youth interested in public service.

He is a life-long student who continues to take courses in fire, rescue, emergency services, and public management. His continued professional development and ability and commitment to pass on his knowledge through teaching and mentoring those under his command are just some of the reasons why Chief Lindqvist was named “Career Firefighter of the Year.”