19-year-old Ghanaian firefighter dies in US

A 19-year-old Ghanaian volunteer firefighter, Emmanuel K. A. Amponsah, has died in the United States, leaving the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and the Glenn Dale Fire Association in mourning.

According to Southern Maryland News Net, Amponsah, who served as a probationary volunteer firefighter with the Glenn Dale Fire Association in Maryland, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He was assigned to Station 818.

Born on August 13, 2007, the young firefighter was also a student at Bowie State University, where he was pursuing a degree in nursing alongside his commitment to emergency services.

His educational background included Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Glenarden, Maryland, where he graduated after completing the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department's High School Fire Science Academy in 2025 as part of Cadet Class 12.

Through the programme, Amponsah acquired several professional certifications, including Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and Emergency Medical Responder.

He officially joined the Glenn Dale Fire Association in March 2026 and was still undergoing Volunteer Recruit School when he passed away.

Despite being at the early stages of his career, Amponsah had demonstrated a strong passion for public service, pursuing both nursing and volunteer firefighting as avenues to help save lives and support his community.

Prince George’s County Fire Chief, Thelmetria A. Michaelides, expressed the department's sadness over his death, describing him as a young man whose dedication and commitment reflected the values of the fire service.

In a statement, the department said Amponsah would be remembered for his courage, hard work and willingness to serve others.

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The Glenn Dale Fire Association also paid tribute to its late member, acknowledging the impact he had made despite his relatively short time with the organisation.

The association noted that his enthusiasm for firefighting, desire to help others and commitment to community service embodied the spirit of volunteerism.

It further extended its condolences to his family, friends, university colleagues and fellow firefighters, urging the public to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult period.

“Rest easy, Brother Emmanuel. Your watch has ended, but your memory will forever remain a part of the Glenn Dale Fire Association family,” the association stated.



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