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Even though the rippling waters of the Potomac River may look inviting, anyone that ventures outdoors should know that it can be a very dangerous place. In 2009 there were six drownings on the river in the Washington area alone. Sadly, the river took two more lives just a few weeks ago. A mother and her daughter were on the Virginia side of the Potomac near Difficult Run, during the Memorial Day weekend at a gathering when, the accident occurred. By the end of the week both women were found about a mile and a half downriver from where they were last seen.

This horrible event should be a vivid reminder of several precautions that we all must adhere to whenever we are near that great expanse of water, the Potomac River. Of course, all the usual water and boating safety rules apply and just as important to remember is to never underestimate the river’s power. The river is full of under currents that can grab you and pull you along, way before you realize what has happened. Also, even though the rocks that jut out into the water may give you a closer view of the river, they are also very slippery when wet and they could spill you right into those currents in a split second. Washington Post staff writer Dan Morse said in a June 2nd article that, “While it is against the law to swim in the river, as pronounced by signs in the area, people get in trouble by wading into what seem to be calm waters to cool down, or by walking along the many rocky edges and falling in.”
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On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the Montgomery County Police Tactical Medic Program celebrated the completion of 30 years of service. The event took place at Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, and was attended by both current and former members of the Emergency Response Team, allied agency Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) providers, and their guests. The first TEMS in Montgomery County was formally established in August of 1979 by two now-retired Officers Karl Plitt and Paul Sterling.

Retired Officer Karl Plitt, one of the architects of the program, proposed the need after a bank robbery occurred at Blair Plaza in Silver Spring in 1979. At that time, there was not a police emergency response team with negotiators and technical support. The Assistant Chief and Director of the Field Services Bureau Thomas McDonald, supported the concept of emergency response beyond SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). Officer Plitt proposed incorporating a medical component, knowing that the military didn’t respond to emergency missions without medic support. McDonald agreed and Plitt sought out Officer Paul Sterling who was, at the time, not only a police officer, but an active member of the Wheaton Rescue Squad. Sterling was one of the first certified EMT’s in the state of Maryland. They worked with Fire Rescue personnel and the fire department protocol to develop what would work best for incorporating Emergency Medical Support (EMS) into Tactical Emergency Medical Support. The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 35, also supported the program and provided funds to purchase equipment for the fledgling unit.

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It is with deep sorrow and regret that the officers, men and women of the Cabin John Park VFD announce that on Thursday, April 1, 2010, Edgar Gordon Bissett of Kensington, MD formerly of Cabin John, MD passed away. He was the beloved husband of the late Jacquelyn Amelia Bissett (Peyton); loving father of Julie Gonnelli (William) and Mark G. Bissett (Cindy); grandfather of Kristin, Kyle, Courtney, Lexi, Tony and Danielle; brother of Eileen Dicus and Barbara Thompson. Gordon was also survived by many other loving family and friends. Friends will be received at PUMPHREY’S BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE FUNERAL HOME, 7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD on Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 3-5 and 7-9PM. A service will be held at Wildwood Baptist Church, 10200 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 1:00PM. The interment will take place at the Mt. Zion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 41, Cabin John, MD 20818.