Photo by Matthew Barnard – MD22 from Alertpage.
Read statements from Baltimore County Fire Department & United States Secret Service
Lutherville VFC
Baltimore County Fire Department
(This post update at 1:00 AM EST with latest news coverage & videos)
It is with deep regret that we advise you of the Line of Duty Death of Baltimore County FF Mark Falkenhan, 43. Mark was killed this evening after becoming trapped and calling a mayday in a multi-family dwelling fire and suffering massive burns. FF Falkenhan had recently left as a career Baltimore County FF to take a position with the United States Secret Service. However, he was an active member of Baltimore County’s Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 30), a part of the Baltimore County FD. Mark was also an Instructor with MFRI, the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute. He leaves his wife and 2 children, ages 10 & 13 behind.
At around 6:15 p.m., Baltimore County emergency 911 dispatch received a call about a kitchen fire at 30 Dowling Circle in the Towson Crossing apartment complex.
When the first firefighters from the Hillendale fire station arrived, flames could be seen on the second floor of the three-story, 12-unit apartment building, Baltimore County Fire Division Chief Michael Robinson said.
“They had fire showing and reports of multiple subjects trapped,” Robinson said. “Our crews immediately went to work and were able to make several rescues, including two civilians … The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm.”
Firefighters had to make a third rescue: A fellow firefighter was trapped.
“At 6:47, what is known as a ‘Mayday,’ which is a distress call, was signaled,” Robinson said. “The incident commander picked up on that. … The crews go into a rescue mode.”
Falkenhan’s death comes just eight days after his uncle, William Falkenhan, a retired firefighter himself, died.
Baltimore County paramedic Lt. Sam Snyder knew both Falkenhans well and spoke with Mark at his uncle’s viewing.
“He always kept in touch with everyone and stayed active through volunteering,” Snyder added. “Plus, he was such a great husband and father. He always talked about his sons. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
The initial call went out at 6:18 p.m. as a kitchen fire in the Towson Crossing apartment complex at 30 Dowling Circle and was quickly upgraded, Armacost said. About 20 minutes later, Falkenhan sent out a “mayday” distress call, Armacost said.
She said Falkenhan’s partner leapt from the third-floor window and crews eventually found Falkenhan on a third-floor balcony.
Baltimore County Fire Chief John J. Hohman identified the fallen firefighter as Mark Falkenhan, 43, a volunteer member of the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Co.
“I just left the hospital, and we lost a firefighter this evening at this scene,” Hohman said. “I knew him personally. (I) met him on his first day on the job when he came to work with us. He was a friend and he a great person.”
Hohman said preliminary informaiton indicated that a fire ignited in a basement kitchen, but conditions were too intense for firefighters to enter the building immediately.
“The fire was knocked and crews moved to the second and third floors to search for any possible victims,” Hohman said. “A flashover occurred. One firefighter escaped successfully, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and passed away.”
“We have an inherently dangerous profession,” Hohman said. “We will pull together and we will make certain that our all procedures were followed, and if not, (we will identify) what we can learn from this.”
Also on STATter911 …
- Video: ATF modeling with radio traffic from MD apartment fire that killed Firefighter Mark Falkenhan. – May 3, 2012
- Command & control: Retired Baltimore Co. division chief goes public over command staffing after last week’s critical injury. – April 29, 2013
- LODD report: Read Baltimore County investigation into death of Lutherville VFC Firefighter Mark Falkenhan. – March 21, 2012
- Mayday update & raw video: Watch removal of Marshfield, MA firefighter after collapse at Scituate house fire. New details on Lt. Joseph Kalinowski’s condition. – November 6, 2012
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LODD, RIP
I have a report a FF has died from his injuries.
Dave, WJZ is reporting the firefighter from the Lutherville station died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Aaron thanks.
I had been aware for a long time this was an LODD. WJZ also took it down for a while. I wanted wait until it was official. But I do appreciate the heads up.
Thanks you.
Rest easy Brother.
Rest In Peace Brother.
I went to HS with the guy. Mark…RIP. Christ himself said no greater love has a man than when he lays down his life for another. That’s just what you did tonight Mark. Sad, but so proud to have known you then.
Rest easy brother we got it from here
Always a tragedy. So sorry for the family.
RIP Brother.A sad day for the fire service.
Listening to that as it went down on the radio is going to haunt me forever…RIP Mark, you will certainly be missed.
Well said Dave…as the BC Fire Chief said, we have an inherently dangerous profession. No matter what safeguards are in place, unfortunately, there will always be incidents like this. As sad as this is, God needed Mark more than anyone else. Rest easy Mark and may god look over your wife and 2 children.
Rest in Peace Brother
Mark affected many through his teaching and leadership with MFRI, Baltimore County career and as a volunteer in several Baltimore County departments.
RIP my friend and my deepest sympathy to your family, you will be greatly missed.
Tommorrow is never a given. For a man to lose his lfe as a volunteer fireman is unbelievably unselfish. May God watch over him and his family and friends.
May God Bless his Family and F.D. Our prayers go out to the Baltimore County Fire Department. We in Chicago, understand your pain!!
A firefighter will give all of his tomorrows to save a strangers today..
Rest easy Brother, your job is done.. We will take it from here..
R.I.P. Mark
May God welcome his soul into paradise, and may He comfort Mark’s family. RIP, Brother.
Our loss Heavens gain.
A true HERO…laid his life down so that others may live. The very definition of a hero. Retired career FF, presently serving Volunteer FF and a 4 yr employee of the USSS.
Rest easy now brother, we have it from here.
What a wonderful service and tribute for a wonderful person.
While Mark will be sorely missed by all, he will NEVER be forgotten.
To all that spoke of him during the service today, well my words can never do justice for yours! Everyone that spoke did so truly from their heart, mind and soul. Mark was a humble man, with a thirst for serving, be it the citizens of Baltimore County or our country which he loved dearly.
To his Wife and Children, while your husband/father is gone from this life know that he is watching over you and will be there with you each step of the way for the rest of your lives.
May he Rest in Peace.