NAMES IN THE NEWS
James G. Yvorra, deputy chief of the Berwyn Heights (Md.) Fire Department and Rescue Squad and a nationally known fire service author and editor, was killed in the line of duty Jan. 29. He was 35.
Yvorra was struck by a vehicle during an emergency response to an automobile accident. After discovering that injuries to the car’s occupants were minor, he attempted to cross back over four lanes of Interstate 95 to slow down or turn around arriving apparatus. He rode with police to the accident as part of an emergency service exchange program he started, attempting to foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding among fire, law enforcement, and EMS personnel.
More than 1,200 people attended a memorial service for Yvorra on Feb 2.
Yvorra was with the Berwyn Heights department for 11 years, holding all ranks through deputy chief. He was a shift officer on the Prince George’s County Haz-Mat Team and was active in the county’s hazmat training program.
Yvorra combined his dedication to the fire service with his journalistic ability. He was editor of fire and EMS publications for Robert J. Brady Co. before starting his own publishing firm, Peake Productions, in 1983. He was also a member of the editorial advisory board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
An annual leadership training award program has been started in Yvorra’s name. Organizers have set an initial goal of $20,000. Contributions to the fund can be sent to The James G. Yvorra Leadership Award Program, do Mike Hildebrand, 6914 Dartmouth Ave., College Park, MD 20740.
