IJAMSVILLE, Md. — Frederick County lost a firefighter Wednesday afternoon.
Around 4:48pm crews were called for a home on fire in the 9500 block of Ball Road in Ijamsville.
Engine 251 from the Green Valley Fire Station was first to arrive on scene. They requested a rapid intervention dispatch and tanker task force to help fight the flames.
Captain Josh Laird was among the first units to enter the home.
Not long after, Laird fell through the first floor into the basement prompting a Mayday to be called.
Fellow firefighters were able to pull Laird from the home to an awaiting helicopter which transported him to MedStar Hospital.
Laird later died of his injuries. He was 46.
“Words cannot describe my heartbreak over Captain Josh Laird’s tragic death. He touched many lives during his long career with Frederick County," said Fire Chief Tom Coe. "We often take for granted the bravery our firefighters show every day. Tonight, sadly, we are reminded of how dangerous the job really is. Josh is a hero."
“We are in constant contact with the Laird family and our DFRS families and are doing everything we can to make every resource available,” continued Chief Coe. “This unexpected loss of a father, a husband, and a brother to firefighters across the nation, will have a lasting impact on the Frederick and Fairfield communities. We are and will be here for them now and in the future.”
Coe said Laird spent 21 years with Frederick County Fire & Rescue.
He's survived by his wife and two daughters.
Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff.
"Maryland has lost another of our true heroes—Captain Joshua Laird, a 21-year veteran of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, lost his life in the line of duty yesterday while bravely responding to a fire in Ijamsville," Hogan said in a statement. "On behalf of all Marylanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his fellow firefighters, and to all those who loved him."
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