The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department has been lauded nationally for its debut on the big screen – as guests of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

So much so that the broadcast, which aired in Sept. 2004, made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list of the past 25 years of her show.

In February 2004, several firefighters searched for a fallen comrade after he broadcast a MAYDAY. Two PGFD firefighters represented the other members of the rescue team and the entire fire/EMS department when they appeared on the Oprah show to talk about the rescue which was in conjunction with the promotion of the soon to be released "Ladder 49" with John Travolta. 

Emotions were high as then Fire Lt. Dino Mahaffey surprised Fire Lt. Ken Ward and Firefighter Phil Bird with Medals of Valor, which he presented on the show. 

Mahaffey's emotional thank you warranted several boxes of tissues as just about everyone teared-up – including Oprah and John Travolta.

"Capturing the national spotlight for the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department on the Oprah Show is a tremendous feat and speaks highly of our men and women that work every day to keep citizens safe – not only here in Prince George's County but also anywhere someone puts their life on the line everyday they go to work," said PGFD spokesman Mark Brady.

"Lt. Dino Mahaffey's tearful thank you to the men that saved his life brought tears to everyone. It told a story about a firefighter being a "brother," being able to continue being a "father" and while on the national stage put a personal face to being a firefighter."

Mahaffrey retired from the PGFD due to injuries he sustained in this incident. Ward is still with the department and is stationed at Allentown Road Fire/EMS Station #832.

Bird also is still with the PGFD and has been promoted to lieutenant. He is stationed at the Calverton Fire/EMS Station #841.