BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. --
A Baltimore County firefighter who died earlier this week in the line of duty has been posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart by the Fire Department Commendations Board.
Mark Falkenhan died Wednesday while fighting a four-alarm fire at an apartment complex in the Hillendale area.
Mark Falkenhan
The Medal of Honor, which is rarely awarded, is given to fire service members who intelligently perform acts of extraordinary heroism or bravery while trying to save the lives of others.
The Commendations Board also awarded Falkenhan the Purple Heart.
"Mark Falkenhan was an intelligent, committed firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is an understatement to say that he has earned these honors," Fire Chief John J. Hohman said in a statement.
The department will formally present the awards at its upcoming annual Promotional and Commendations Ceremony on March 22.
The board unanimously voted to honor Falkenhan with both awards.
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