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Chief Edward Plaugher
Arlington County Fire Department
Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001; 2 p.m. EDT
Long before terrorists steered the jet into the Pentagon like a bullet, Arlington Fire Chief Edward Plaugher had voiced concerns that the Washington region was not adequately prepared for terrorist attacks, especially those of a chemical or biological nature. When disaster struck, he was instrumental in coordinating the emergency response and the recovery efforts. (Read the story.)
A native of Virginia, Plaugher has been in the fire service since 1966. In 1993, he was appointed as Arlington's fire chief. His father was a volunteer chief for 17 years, and his brother is the fire chief of Orange County, Florida. Plaugher is the immediate past president of the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia.
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washingtonpost.com:
Thanks for joining us today, Chief Plaugher. How is the cleanup at the Pentagon progressing?
Edward Plaugher: The operations is now under the control of the Pentagon officials. All of the affected parts have been torn down and the reconstruction has continued to progress very well.
Arlington, VA:
Chief Plaugher,
What would you advise for someone who is considered joining the volunteer fire department?
Edward Plaugher: It is an outstanding way to contribute back to your community and take as much training as you can get as fast you can because it is a complex entity.
Arlington, VA:
Thank you and the Fire Department for representing Arlington so well. Are there funds set up for Arlington firefighters or rescue workers to which contributions can be made for those of us who would like to express our thanks in a more tangible way?
Edward Plaugher: The Arlington County Fire Department has a Trust and Agency Fund that is set up to purchase advanced medical equipment used to serve our citizens and visitors to our county. If you are interested in giving, please send to Arlington County Fire Department, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201, Attention Edward Plaugher.
washingtonpost.com:
Chief Plaugher stepped away briefly; this discussion will resume shortly. Continue to submit questions in the meantime.
washingtonpost.com:
Unfortunately a situation prevents Chief Plaugher from finishing today -- we hope to have the continuation of the discussion in the future. Keep checking washingtonpost.com for details.
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