Prince George’s County intends to return career firefighters to Bunker Hill Fire Station (Station 55) effective Dec. 29, Mayor Selena Benitez told the Mount Rainier council during the Dec. 17 work session.

Benitez said county officials notified municipal leaders that 24 personnel across four shifts will be reassigned to Station 55; the staffing package will include an engine with four personnel and a transport ambulance with two personnel per shift. “The advanced life support capabilities of these units are an enhancement from the engine and ambulance that were assigned to Station 55 prior to the staffing relocation,” Benitez said.

The mayor described many months of communications among municipal mayors, county officials and local volunteers and credited volunteer firefighters for filling gaps while career staff were moved. She said two recruit classes began training (one in December and another in March 2025) and that the city will continue advocating for career staffing returns at other stations.

Benitez asked residents and council members to continue coordinating with county and volunteer leadership; she also thanked volunteer firefighters and partner organizations that supported the volunteer department during the staffing change. No formal council action was taken; the item was an informational update and the mayor said the information had been circulated to municipal and county contacts.