Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR AND BUILDING MANAGER’S SON SAVE EMPLOYEES LIVES CHARLES COUNTY, MD (April 1, 2011) – A normal day for inspections turned into something more for Fire Safety Inspector Jarrell Reeder. On Thursday, March 31, 2011, Inspector Reeder reported to Elite Metal Services at 52 Industrial Park Drive in Waldorf, to perform a Use and Occupancy (U&O) inspection of the property. Upon arrival at approximately 1:45 p.m. Inspector Reeder met with the building manager’s son, Mr. Jack Oliveiar, outside the building. They entered the building and observed the strong odor of exhaust fumes coming from a running propane fueled forklift and observed two employees were on the floor and unconscious. Thinking quickly, they immediately called 911, turned off the forklift, ventilated the building and removed the victims to the exterior. Both victims were still breathing and remained unconscious. Units soon arrived from Waldorf VFD and transported both victims by ambulance to Mount Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, VA, where they were treated in the Hyperbaric Chamber. The level of carbon monoxide inside the building was determined to be at 50 ppm after being ventilated. Both victims have been treated and released by the Mount Vernon Hospital. The quick thinking actions of both Inspector Reeder and Mr. Oliveiar prevented a more tragic outcome for both employees.
### Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208