Prince George's County Emergency Operations chief let go. Fire Chief Eugene Jones makes changes at the top with the firing of Lt. Col. Victor Stagnaro.

STATter911.com has learned Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Lt. Col. Victor Stagnaro was presented papers late today saying that his services were no longer needed. Numerous sources within the department indicate Major Tyrone Forby, Chief Eugene Jones’ executive officer, presented Stagnaro with a letter saying Stagnaro’s last day is February 12.

Chief Jones, through a department spokesman, is presenting a different picture of what happened this afternoon. Mark Brady issued the following statement from the chief:

Colonel Stagnaro has indicated this afternoon his intent to retire from the fire and EMS department in the next two weeks. He will be on leave until the official date of his retirement.

Acting Lt. Col. Derrick Lea will move from Administrative Services and transferred to Emergency Operations.

No replacement to fill Colonel Lea’s former position has been determined.

Stagnaro has headed the Emergency Operations Command for about a year.  There has been no information yet on what specifically brought about today’s actions, but  STATter911.com has long been aware of tension between Stagnaro and Jones over staffing and other issues.

Despite the problems, in November, Chief Jones presented Stagnaro with a Distinguished Service Award. In a press release, the honor was described as prestigious and rarely awarded. The release included this letter of commendation by Chief Jones:

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department has faced many challenges in 2009. From fiscal challenges to large scale emergencies, the Emergency Operations Command has responded to all of them due in large part to your growth as a leader. As the award suggests, you have distinguished yourself as a leader. You have implemented a new patient care reporting system, a billing system, commanded one of the largest rescues in the history of the Department and operated with a reduced complement and budget.

Your actions and efforts as the Emergency Operations Commander have been remarkable. I have seen your growth as a leader and that growth has enabled your command to maintain and, in some areas of the County, enhance the quality of service that the Fire/EMS Department delivers to the public. This Distinguished Service Award is presented in recognition of the meritorious actions you have taken to keep the Emergency Operations Command operating at peak efficiency despite the resource challenges you and your command have faced.

I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you have exhibited. You are growing into the leader I always believed you had the capacity for. Thank you for your distinguished service.

STATter911.com has attempted to contact Lt. Colonel Stagnaro. Stagnaro has been with PGFD for 24-years.