Preston VFC
The officers and members of Preston Volunteer Fire Company are trying something new. “We are going to try our best to make a post weekly to pass along some information to the community that you just might not know,” a statement from the company said. “This week, we are showing a fully outfitted firefighter with all the equipment necessary to enter several different types of hazardous environments.”

“To show our community what some of your hard earned money goes towards, did you know at least $12,000 is what it takes to fully outfit only one firefighter?” the statement said. Here is the breakdown:
Helmet - $270-$300
Jacket - $650-$900
Pants - $650-$900
Hood (Neck cover) - $50-$60
Boots - $350-$450
Gloves - $75-$200
SCBA(Breathing Apprautus) - $5,000-$6,000
Radio - $5,000

All riding members have to be outfitted with this gear. “We are only able to do it with generous donations and minimal funding from state and local government,” the company said. “As always, donations are greatly appreciated as this gear and equipment does all expire and needs to be periodically replaced.” Anyone wishing to send donations, please send to PO Box 44 Preston, MD 21655.

Maryland State Police
The idea of the Maryland State Police was born of necessity as the automobile provided criminals with the means to expand, a statement from the MSP said. In 1921, Gov. Albert Ritchie decided a police force was needed with statewide jurisdiction to provide criminal and traffic enforcement across the entire state of Maryland.

Maple Dam Road fire
On Jan. 26 at 1:33 p.m., emergency crews responded to 5171 Maple Dam Road, south of Cambridge, for a fire in a one-story, wood-framed house owned/occupied by Carroll Handley, and William and Gwendolyn Lee. There were no injuries or deaths, though the Office of the State Fire Marshal estimated damage to the structure at $10,000, and to its contents, $2,000.

A smoke alarm was present and activated. Cambridge Rescue Fire Company sent 25 firefighters to the site, who brought the incident under control in 15 minutes. The fire marshal’s statement said the fire started in the kitchen, and was accidental, adding, “When the occupants of the residence returned home, they discovered that contents on the stove top had ignited after one of the burners was accidentally turned on.”

In addition to RFC, Dorchester Emergency Medical Services and Cambridge Police Department officers responded. A Working Fire Task Force was composed of Talbot Station 30 (Trappe), Station 21 (East New Market), Station 16 (Secretary), Station 56 (Madison).
At 3:05 p.m., all units were placed back in service.

Fatal shooting in Wicomico
Maryland State Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man found Friday night in Salisbury.
The deceased has been identified as Devonta Fagans, 26, of Salisbury. Investigators say Fagans was found with apparent gunshot wounds at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Emory Court in Salisbury around 10 p.m. Friday, when officers from the Salisbury Police Department responded there for a reported shooting.

Fagans was transported to TidalHealth Hospital in Salisbury, where he died Saturday morning. His body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
The Salisbury Police Department requested the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit assume the investigation on Saturday. The preliminary investigation indicates witnesses reported hearing shots fired outside of a residence on Emory Court, where the shooting victim was located in a parking lot.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators, along with the members of the Salisbury Police Department and Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office are conducting the criminal investigation.
Investigators are attempting to identify suspects and are following leads in the case.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit (443)480-6818. The case remains under investigation.