Sept 13th: At 11 PM, Rescue Squad 14, Ambulance 14, and Utility 14 were alerted to Lake Artemisia in College Park for a possible water rescue in progress in the first-due. Once arriving at the gate, the dispatcher advised the callers were at the tall gazebo in the lake’s center. The larger Rescue Squad & Ambulance staged at the bathroom area and rescue tools, equipment, and personnel loaded onto the smaller BHVFD utility truck for transportation to the scene. BHVFD and Park Police made contact with the callers, who advised their friend jumped into the lake at appx. 9:45 PM, and they had not seen him since. BHVFD’s 3 volunteer water rescue technicians suited up. Simultaneously, other crews scoured the banks and set up portable lights to illuminate the search area. BHVFD’s Rescue Squad 14B also arrived with extra equipment and volunteers. Prince George’s County Police’s “Guardian” helicopter based out of the adjourning College Park airport utilized its spotlight and infrared cameras to search. BHVFD and PGFD water rescue techs from PGFD Station 6 began a search via boat. The Anne Arundel Fire Dive Team was also requested, and utilized sonar and divers to finally locate the adult male. Unfortunately, he was declared deceased on the scene. Approximately 25 personnel from Berwyn Heights VFD, PGFD, College Park VFD, and AAFD operated for more than three hours. The identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding this incident are being handled by Prince George’s County Police.

Units Operating: Rescue Squad 14, Rescue Squad 14B, Ambulance 14, Utility 14, Cart 12 (College Park VFD), PGFD Technical Rescue 806 & Water Rescue 806, Medic 812, Battalion Chief 886, Duty Chief, Anne Arundel County Fire/EMS Dive Team (Station 8) & Water Rescue/Boat 23.

Reminder: There is NO SWIMMING, or BOATING allowed on Lake Artemisia at any time, and the lake closes at dusk.

Photos Courtesy of Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.