Fire News Maryland, Mar./Apr. 2024

Story on page 12.

- Fire News photo by Matt Rajala

Story on page 12.

- Fire News photo by Matt Rajala

Christmas Day Blaze in Fruitland

Fire crews from Fruitland, Salisbury, Allen, Delmar and Pittsville responded to a working house fire.

See story on page 6

Fire Damages Northwest

Baltimore Dwelling

Multiple companies arrived to a two-story, single-family, dwelling with smoke showing on the first floor.

See story on page 8

Horse Barn FireAll Horses Out Safely

Engine 16-1 arrived to find a horse barn fully involved with a large grass fire nearby as well.

See story on page 11

Major Damage in McCoole Fire

Ahomeowner and two firefighters suffered minor injuries when a blaze broke out at a home.

See story on page 19

3-Alarm Building Fire in Downtown Frederick

Units arrived to find a two-story building with smoke showing and quickly requested a rapid intervention dispatch.

See story on page 22

Darlington Building Fire

Darlington Volunteer Fire Company was the primary responding department to a building fire.

See story on page 26

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2-YearOld Dies in Cascade Blaze

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division continue to investigate a fast-moving Washington County fire that killed a child and sent two others to hospitals on January 5, 2023. The Smithburg Community VolunteerFire Company and surrounding departments, including Frederick County Fire and Rescue and Franklin County (PA) firefighters, responded at 1820 to a reported dwelling fire in the 20600 block of Military Road in Cascade. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the home was converted into ap artments, with a 24-year-old female and a one-year-old who was injured and othertenants stating anotherchild was still inside. The fire was upgraded to two alarms, bringing nearly 75 firefighters to the scene. The injured female was flown to MedStarWashington Hospital Centerby Maryland State Police Trooper5, and the child was taken by ambulance to Meritus Medical Center. Firefighters and investigators laterlocated the otherchild inside the secondfloorapartment. No otherinjuries occurred, and eight othertenants were displaced. The victim was believed to be a two-year-old resident of the apartment where the otherfamily members were injured. The fire’s origin and cause remain underinvestigation; investigators have been unable to locate working smoke alarms.

- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal Office

Suspicious Fire in Meadowbrook Area

On December31, 2023 at 0651, Kanawha County’s Station 2 Pinch VolunteerFire Department, Station 3 Malden VFD, Station 27 WVANGwere dispatched fora reported house in Area 2 on Beech Street in the Meadowbrook Area. Pinch Engine 21 arrived at the scene with a fully involved house fire, Malden Engine 32 caught the hydrant at Meadowbrook Drive and laid in 900 feet of four-inch supply line. Crews worked forabout an hourto extinguish the blaze. The fire is considered to be suspicious due to the house being vacant forsometime. The investigation was turned overto the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. Units that responded were Pinch Engine 21, Squad 2, Utility 25, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, WVANGEngine 274 and KCEAA149.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD

Christmas Day Blaze in Fruitland

On Christmas Day 2023, fire crews from Fruitland, Salisbury, Allen, Delmarand Pittsville responded to a working house fire on Coulbourn Mill Road in Fruitland. Crews arrived to find heavy fire from the rearof the home. Fourdogs were rescued from the blaze.

Crews worked 90 minutes to bring the fire undercontrol. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Finzel 2-Alarm House Fire

Firefighters from multiple agencies operated at a second-alarm house fire on Beall School Road in Finzel, recently. The Easter n Garrett VolunteerFire Department Chief was in charge of the incident. - Photo courtesy of the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department

Coal Truck Fire Stopped

The Logan Fire Department was dispatched to US 119 fora loaded coal truck with the cab fully involved. The fire was extinguished before it reached the coal in the trailer.

- Submitted by Calab McDonald

East Baltimore Vacant Dwelling Fire

On November3, 2023, around 1130, Box 33-60 sent DC Engine 10, St Mary’s E 52, PGEngine 833, WorcesterEngine 701 (RIT), DC Engine 16, Allegany Engine 161, Howard Truck 2, DC Truck 13, PG Air800, Anne Arundel Battalion Chief 1, and DC Safety Officerto East Madison Street fora reported building fire. DC Car5 arrived to a two-story, end-of-the-row, vacant dwelling with smoke showing from the second floorand roof. Engine 833 laid a supply line in and

lines were stretched where crews knocked down a fire on the second-floorfront. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes and units remained on scene forabout 90 minutes mopping up.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

** Note: Mutual aid companies covering forBaltimore City while they attended funeral of Capt. Rinaldo from Engine 46.

Fire Damages Northwest Baltimore Dwelling

At 1531, on November3, 2023, Box Alarm 40-73 toned for Frederick Engine 31, Naval District of DC Engine 42, Annapolis Engine 351 (RIT), Harford Engine 315, Allegany Engine 15, Carroll Truck 2, PGTruck 821, DC Battalion Chief 6, Howard Battalion Chief 60, and Baltimore County Safety Officer6 to Liberty Heights Avenue fora reported dwelling fire. DC Battalion 6 arrived to a two-story, single-family, dwelling with smoke showing on the first floor. DC Engine 15, Calvert Engine 34, DC Rescue 3, Queen Anne

Tower34, and Baltimore Co Air11 were added to the box. Several lines were stretched, knocking down the bulk of the fire in about 15 minutes. All searches were negative and companies were out about two hours completing mop up and overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

** Note: Mutual aid companies covering forBaltimore City while they attended funeral of Capt. Rinaldo from Engine 46.

Abandoned Church Fire… Again

The Logan Fire Department (LFD) responded to the Orville Holiness Church fora fully involved structure fire. Interiorops were shut down due to the extent of fire upon arrival. Previous

knowledge, via several otherfires of the structure. LFD responded with two engine companies, two squad companies and a rescue company.

- Submitted by Calab McDonald

Early Morning Fire in Clarksburg

At 2138 hours on January 8, 2024, Company 8 (Reynoldsville VFD), Engines 71, 91 (Salem VFD), and 151 (West Milford VFD) were alerted fora structure fire on Sycamore Road in Clarksburg. SpelterVFD Engine 112 was also added to the assignment. Engine 71 staffed with three, responded in three minutes with Tanker7 staffed with anothertwo personnel arriving shortly after. Engine 81 arrived to find a fully involved single-story dwelling with all occupants out. Crews placed multiple 1-3/4 inch handlines in service for

a defensive attack. Engine 71 arrived and laid into 81 forwater supply and assisted with fire suppression. Tankers 7 and 9 supplied units on scene with wateruntil 112 secured a nearby hydrant. Manpowerfrom 71, 82, 91, 153 and 112 assisted with fire extinguishment, extensive overhaul and clean up before returning home just before 0100 on January 9, 2024. Salem EMS 696 transported one patient to United Hospital Center.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Horse Barn FireAll Horses Out Safely

On November30, 2023, the Wicomico County 911 Centerbegan getting reports of a large plume of smoke on the east side of the county. They then alerted Station 6 Parsonsburg, Station 1 Salisbury and Station 7 Pittsville fora barn fire on Old Ocean City Road. Engine

16-1 arrived to find a horse barn fully involved with a large grass fire nearby, as well. Crews were able to bring the blaze underc ontrol in under10 minutes. No horses were injured in the blaze.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Check YourFurnaces

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Cover Story

Salisbury Starts 2024 with a Splash

On January 1, 2024, the Salisbury Fire Department responded to assist fire crews in Somerset County with a vehicle submerged in a pond on Riley Roberts Road in Deal Island. Salisbury Fire crews arrived and found an SUVin the middle of the pond. SFD dive team entered the pond to search forany occupants, but none were found.

Aheavy wreckerfrom Simpson’s Towing was called in to extract the vehicle. The vehicle was laterdetermined to be stolen from the Salisbury area. Maryland State Police were investigating.

- Fire News photos by Matt Rajala

Baltimore Blaze on MosherStreet

Baltimore City firefighters battled a middle-of-the-group blaze on MosherStreet on February 6, 2024. First-in companies found heavy fire coming from the top floorof the two-story building.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

Pikesville House Fire

Shortly before 0900 on January 7, 2024, westside Baltimore County FD units were alerted fora report of a house on fire in the 3300 block of Smith Avenue in Pikesville. Engine 2 arrived to smoke showing from two sides of a single-family house and initiated an aggressive interiorattack. Firefighters from Pikesville deployed with Engine 2’s firefighters to the basement, where they knocked down the fire and conducted a primary search. Additional firefighters from (BCoFD) Stations 2, 18 and 19 arrived and deployed a second handline and placed ladders. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Mike Schwartzberg

MajorDamage in McCoole Fire

Ahomeownerand two firefighters suffered minorinjuries when a blaze broke out at a Della Street home in McCoole, stated the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The 1315 fire was ruled accidental and started in a rearunfinished bedroom when vapors from spray foam insulation ignited. The fire caused about $200,000 damage to the two-story structure and adjacent vacant residence. The Potomac Fire Company of Westernport led the firefighting effort, which also brought crews from Mineral and Garrett counties to the scene. The injured firefighters were treated by med ical personnel at the scene and there was no word on the homeowner’s condition. The family was assisted by the American Red Cross and a Go Fund Me account is accepting donations forthe family.

- Photo courtesy of the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department

Fully Involved on Arrival

On October10, 2023, Logan Fire Department was dispatched to the abandoned Yuma Suites fora fully involved working structure fire. Upon arrival the fire had spread to an abandoned restaurant adjacent to the suites. LFD responded with two engine companies, one laddercompany, one rescue company and two squad companies. Two firefighters sustained minorinjuries and were treated at the scene.

- Submitted by Caleb McDonald

Quick Stop in Rattlesnake Hollow

Investigation Continues into Fatal Christmas Eve Fire

Ateam of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Allegany Combined County Criminal (C3I), is conducting an investigation of a fatal dwelling fire on Lee Street in Frostburg that claimed of one person’s life the day before Christmas 2023. The first 911 call was received just before 0700 when the victim reported a fire in the front area of the home. Frostburg and otherfire companies responded to the two-alarm fire. It took 75 firefighters approximately an hourto control the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters located a deceased occupant within the single-family dwelling. The victim has preliminarily been ident ified to be the 58-year-old female occupant. Deputy State Fire Marshal concluded the fire originated in a first-floorbedroom, and the cause remained unde r investigation.

- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal office & Cumberland Times News

Fire from 3 Floors on Arrival

On January 18, 2024, at 2030, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department was alerted fora reported house fire a t Rattlesnake Hollow. Utility 3 Engine 32 arrived at a single-wide trailerwith heavy fire showing from the rearof the structure. Crews pulled a 1-3/4 inch line and quickly contained the fire. Units remained on scene till around 2200. There were no injuries reported and the fire appeared to be accidental. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42, Utility 4, Belle Engine 52, Utility 57, KCEAA155, KCOEM 991.

The Baltimore City Fire Department battled a late afternoon blaze on December13, 2023. Units encountered fire showing from all floors of the three-story, end-of-the-row structure on Lemmon Street.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD

Baltimore City Battles Vacant Row House Blaze

Baltimore City firefighters battled a fire in a vacant end-of-thegroup row frame on Division Street on Friday morning December 1, 2023. Units were met by heavy fire on the first flooron arrival.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

NutterFort Stops Reynoldsville Fire

Recently, NutterFort crews were alerted fora structure fire in the 3000 block of Wilsonburg Road in Reynoldsville. Engine 71 staffed with six personnel responded in two minutes with Unit 74 following with an additional two personnel. Engines 82 and 81 arrived to find a single-story dwelling heavily involved and all occupants out. Crews placed two 1-3/4 inch cross lays in service. Engine 71 and Unit 74 assisted with an interiorattack. Otherunits provided manpowerforinteriorand exteriorfire suppression. Tanker11 and Engine 91 also assisted with watersupply. Harrison County Emergency Squad 672 was on standby.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

3-Alarm Building Fire in Downtown Frederick

At approximately 1542 on February 10, 2024, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerdispatched a call fora reported building fire in the 100 block of South Carroll Street. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue units arrived within two minutes to find a two-story building with smoke showing and quickly requested a rapid intervention dispatch. Crews began working immediately conducting searches and to getting wateron the fire As conditions worsened, they requested a second, and then a third alarm. With assistance from the Frederick Police Department the immediate area was cleared and closed to traffic. The historic building was comprised of an antique store, an apartment, and was used

forstorage. The building was connected by an elevated walkway to a building across the street. With an aggressive defensive fire attack crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to any otherbuildings. It took 120 firefighters approximately 90 minutes to place the fire undercontrol and an additional two hours to extinguish all remaining hotspots and perform overhaul. Two firefighters sustained minorinjuries but transport was not required. Frederick City Police, Frederick County Division of Emergency Management, Frederick City Emergency Management, and Frederick City MayorMichael O’Connorwere on the scene monitoring the incident.

Hepzibah Residential Fire

At 1006 on February 16, 2024, Companies 11 (SpelterVFD), Engines 41 (Lumberport VFD), 71, 101 (Shinnston VFD), and 81 (Reynoldsville VFD) were alerted fora structure fire on Lyon Avenue in Hepzibah. Engine 71 staffed with five responded in two minutes. Engine 112 arrived to find a large outbuilding used as a

- Submitted by Sarah Campbell

residence heavily involved and placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service. Engine 71 supplied units on scene with waterand assisted with fire extinguishment. The Box was held to 112, 41, 71, 101 and 111. Afteroverhaul, units returned home at 1107. HCES was on scene forstandby.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

2-CarMVAon NaylorMill Rd.

2-CarMVAwith Rollover

On December23, 2023, at 1401, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted for an MVAwith rescue at the intersection of NaylorMill Road and Salisbury Bypass. Wicomico 911 Centeradvised responding units that one of the vehicles involved flipped overand landed back on its wheels. Crews arrived to find a two-carMVA, and no active rescue. Paramedic B2 transported one patient to Tidal Health in Salisbury fortreatment. Responding units were Salisbury AC1, Rescue 1, Truck 2, Paramedic B2 & Paramedic A16.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

RMAs at I-79 MVA

Early on February 17, 2024, Nutter Fort Squad 7, Rescue 124, and Ambulance 18 handled a two-vehicle MVAon Interstate-79 north at exit 115. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, with 18 and Squad 7 obtaining patient refusals. Units assisted with traffic control until the vehicles were recovered.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

On the afternoon of December4, 2023, the Hebron VolunteerFire Department was alerted foran MVAwith rollover on westbound Route 50 in the area of White Lowe Road. Fire crews arrived to find a two-car MVAwith one caron its roof. The driverof the overturned vehicle was able to remove himself. All patients refused treatment at the scene. Westbound Route 50 was shut down to one lane during the alarm.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Pedestrian Killed in Campbells Creek Drive MVA

On January 18, 2024, at 1925, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Campbells Creek Drive fora pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a priority 1 patient in the roadway. KCEAAtransported the male to CAMC General Division but he succumbed due to his injuries. Units remained on scene to assist law enforcement.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD

Life Saving Awards forMVARescue

Brooklyn’s Norman Ray: 75 Years of Service

- Submitted by Gerald McClain

On January 17, 2024, Franklin Community Fire Chief Gerald McClain (center), Brooke County Sheriff’s Department Captain KylerFerguson (right) and Franklin Community resident Matt Edwards (left) were presented life-saving awards fortheiractions at an MVAthat occurred in Franklin Community in December2023. On December21, 2023, Franklin Community VFD was alerted fora multi-vehicle accident along Washington Pike. Crews arrived to find a four-vehicle collision with one juvenile severely injured and restrained. Chief McClain and off-duty Sheriff Capt. KylerFerguson and civilian Matt Edwards immediately entered the vehicle and began providing patient care to the injured party. During patient assessment Detective Gary Conley with the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department advised the crew working in the carthat it was on fire and they needed to exit. At this point Chief McClain performed a rapid extrication of the injured person and removed him to safety until Brooke County EMS arrived and transported the patient to an awaiting LZ. The injured juvenile from this accident is now home and continuing his rehab and therapy.

Nitro Gets Grant

Nitro Fire Department

Chief received a $1500 grant from 19th District Delegate Kathy Crouse recently. The department will use the funds to upgrade its communications system.

forCommo Equip

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo wil l honor the Philadelphia Fire Department with the 2024 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award for their innovations in emergency medical services. The award presentation will occur at the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 29th in Washington, DC.

The Philadelphia Fire Department was selected for its Alternative EMS Response Units (AR) that provide ALS capabilities in non-ambulance vehicles for four types of emergency medical care. Three units are SUVS staffed with paramedics and specialized care providers. One unit serving the University of Pennsylvania delivers emergency medical care and courtesy rides to students with low-acuity complaints. The fire department assigned a second unit to an area of the city with an extremely high rate of substance use disorder incidents, while a third unit responds to behavioral health emergencies. Afourth unit, a utility cart equipped with ALS equipment and a paramedic, provides rapid response to medical calls at Philadelphia International Airport. Since being placed in serv ice, these units have taken tremendous pressure off the EMS system, enabling traditional medic units to respond to other calls. Bas ed on the success of these units, the fire department intends to place mo re of them in service.

- Submitted by Patti Kidwell

In mid-January 2024, Norman Ray of the Brooklyn Community VolunteerFire Company was presented with his helmet by the Captain and B Shift of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department personnel stationed at Brooklyn. This presentation was in honor of Norman’s 75 years of service to the Brooklyn Community VolunteerFire Company. Norman joined the fire company in 1948. He served as a Lieutenant many years ago. Norman’s riding days were overin the 1960s when he was overcome by smoke on a fire on Hammonds Lane. He was also Vice President of the old 5th District Fire Association. He has been on the Board of Directors since 1975, mostly notably serving as Secretary/Treasurer. He was active with fundraisers held by the company. Norman is very knowledgeable and willing to answerany questions he can regarding the fire service.

Rand Refurbishes Pumper

The Rand VolunteerFire Department put in service this 1994 Pierce Dash, that was purchased from the Northeast Carrabus Fire Department in Mt. Pleasant (NC). The 1250gpm pumperwith 1000gallon tank was given a complete check up and cosmetic upgrade priorto going in service.

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

CFSI AND MASIMO TO HONOR THE PHILADELPHIAFIRE DEPARTMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCYMEDICALSERVICES

“With fire departments across the nation developing innovative programs to enhance their EMS capabilities, CFSI is proud to cosponsor the Excellence in Fire Service-Based with Masimo to rec ognize fire departments for their innovations,” said Jim Estepp, CFSI President. “I extend my congratulations to the Philadelphia Fir e Department for developing an innovative EMS program that is enhancing the level of emergency medical care for the citizens of Philadelphia.”

“Masimo is proud to co-sponsor the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award,” said Andy Jones, Senior Vice President of US Alternate Care. “At Masimo, we focus on the spirit of innovation just as fire departments strive to innovate in their delivery of emergency medical care. By offering industryleading monitoring solutions, we are helping fire departments improve patient care outcomes at the emergency scene, resulting in more lives being saved. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Fire Department for being honored with this award.”

For additional information about the 2024 National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, please visit the CFSI website. This event benefits the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy organizatio n designed to educate members of Congress about fire and life safety issues.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

State Fire Marshal Geraci Retires After50 YearCareer

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci announced his retirement from the Office of the State Fire Marshal after a 50-year career, including 10 years with the agency. Geraci’s announcement coincided with the agency’s holiday luncheon in Pikesville. He was surrounded by his family, current and retired employees, including former and current police and fire chiefs, and other representatives from several fire prevention and life safety associations.

Geraci was appointed State Fire Marshal by Maryland State Police Colonel Marcus L. Brown on August 14, 2013, after William E. Barnard, who served in the position since 2001. Under Geraci’s tenure, Maryland is considered a leader in the United States in fire prevention after working with legislators to ensure residential sprinklers for new homes and 10year sealed battery smoke alarms and CO alarms in all existing homes and drafted successful legislation requiring non-arc-resistant jacketed CSSTin all new homes and buildings. Geraci had more than 40 years of experience as a fire service professional. He spent over 30 years with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, spending 21 of those years in the Office of Fire Marshal before his retirement in 2006 as a Battalion Chief assigned to the county’s Homeland Security Department. He finished the last 12 years of his career in

Montgomery County as the Assistant Fire Marshal.

Geraci continued his dedication to fire safety and prevention by transitioning into the private sector and serving on the Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission. In June 2010, Geraci accepted a position with the Office of Emergency Management in Arlington County, Virginia. Ten months later, he transferred to the fire department as the Coordinator for the Bomb Squad Unit.

As state fire marshal, Geraci oversaw a staff of nearly 70 employees, including more than 40 sworn deputy state fire marshals. Geraci has overseen numerous upgrades within the agency, including improving fire investigator safety by focusing on cancer prevention, and overseeing the purchasing and modernizing of vehicles within the agency. He worked alongside the State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance (SLEOLA) in negotiating significant salary increases for sworn investigators and the civilian staff, spearheaded efforts on employees’ mental health issues, and sought training on this topic for all staff and their families.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have worked beside the finest men and women who have dedicated their lives to service for others. As I have said in the past, we are a small agency but a large family, and yes, we have had our moments both here at work and within our

own families, and we supported each other during those difficult times,” said Geraci State Fire Marshal Geraci has also served as vice president of the National Association of State Fire Marshals since 2017. He was awarded the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award for 2020, and The Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award by the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) this past August.

“It has been a short 10 years, but during this time, we have accomplished so much, and I am so proud of all of you who have made this journey an outstanding experience,” Geraci told staff today during the luncheon.

Chief Deputy Jason M. Mowbray was designated as Acting State Fire Marshal by Colonel Roland L. Butler, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

Geraci is relocating to Florida and looks forward to spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their children and grandchildren.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal Office

Darlington Building Fire

On January 17, 2024, at approximately 0500, Darlington VolunteerFire Company was the primary responding department to a building fire in Darlington, with mutual-aid coming from otherHarford County and Cecil County companies along with York and LancasterCounties in Pennsylvania. The temperature the morning of the fire was in the low teens. There were no injuries reported, but the fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damages.

- Submitted by John Gallagher

Highway Sign Dedicated to Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Cohen

On the sixth anniversary of his death, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci and the Cohen family were joined by members of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Police, Rockville VolunteerFire Department, formerMaryland State Police Colonel William B. Pallozi, and former Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, and now Howard County Police Chief Greg, as well as, family and friends, at a ceremony commemorating the dedication of the Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal SanderB. Cohen Memorial Highway to honorhis memory. The Deputy Chief SanderB. Cohen sign is

on I-270 between Falls Road and Montrose Road in Montgomery County. At 2200 on December8, 2017, Deputy Chief Cohen called the Rockville Barrack to report he was at a single-vehicle crash in the fast lane of southbound I-270, north of Gude Drive. The driverof the damaged vehicle was Supervisory Special Agent Carlos Wolff, 36, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both men moved to the shoulderof the fast lane, where they were standing, when a vehicle traveling southbound swerved to the left and struck both men on the shoulder. Both men were thrown overthe Jersey wall to the

northbound side of I-270. Deputy Chief Cohen was a decorated investigatorwho was repeatedly acknowledged forhis outstanding service to the people of Maryland. In addition to his service as a deputy state fire marshal, he was also an active member of the Rockville VolunteerFire Department, Station 33. Cohen was 33 years old and a nine-yearveteran of the agency at his death. He was the regional supervisorassigned to the Northeast Region, which includes Carroll, Harford, and Cecil counties.

- Photos courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal Office