MD Firefighters Spend Anniversary of Colleague's Death in Training

Thursday was the one year anniversary of the tragic line-of-duty death of a Maryland firefighter.

Frederick County Battalion Chief Josh Laird became trapped in the basement after he fell though the floor of a house that had been struck by lightning.

To honor the 21-year veteran, firefighters from Frederick and surrounding counties attended a training event, spear-headed by Laird’s wife, Sara.

More than 100 emergency personnel spent the day learning about basement fires – not only how to fight them but what NIST and UL tests show about behavior.

Retired DC Battalion Chief Tony Carroll led the discussion the included actual footage of basement fires as well as controlled ones that monitored growth and temperatures.

After requesting a moment of silence, Frederick County Chief Tom Coe said: “Josh Laird put a high emphasis on both training and education.”

Likewise, Ms. Laird said she could think of no better way to honor her husband than to host a class that focused on two vital topics – mental health in the fire service and basement fires.

“Thank you all for being here today to remember Josh, and investing in yourself. Firefighting is definitely a career that requires continuous training,” she told the personnel assembled at a local high school.

The mother of two said she never wanted or imagined she’d be speaking to them “with my most crucial credential being that of fire widow.”

She recalled her husband’s love of every aspect of life. “He stopped for turtles, volunteered at our daughters’ school and drove to people’s houses on his day off to sign a rookie book.

In the past 365 days, she’s learned many things. “First, take the time to make sure all your affairs are in order. Talk to your spouse or significant other to insure they know your wishes. Josh and I didn’t have a will…I had to make a will on my own and that was a lot more difficult…”

She went on to explain it’s important to know exactly what happens if your spouse is killed in the line of duty. Don’t think it will be easy to obtain benefits. “…I am here to tell you it really just depends on about 50 different factors…I urge you to take the time to really understand…I know it’s unpleasant, and no one wants to think about these things, but you need to…”

She went on to say their daughters, Erin and Madelyn, struggle but have continued with the National Junior Honor Society, academic and athletic achievements.

“Thanks to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, I now have a network of other widows who have shared their stories…We are blessed to have the support of the Frederick County Government, County Executive Jan Gardner, Chief Tom Coe and the IAFF Local 3666. There actions should be the gold standard. However, it’s often not the case.”

The stress of losing a firefighter affects many, and it’s vital that people seek professional assistance if necessary.

Natalie Bowers, the department’s behavorial health coordinator, urged the responders to keep an eye out for signs of mental health issues.

She encouraged them to get involved if they see a colleague struggling, outlining things to be aware of. Speaking up just may save a life.

Laird said rather than sit idly by and think about what ifs, she started delving into what caused the fire that ultimately claimed her husband.

“If you are not already aware, the fires that killed my husband and (Howard County) Lt. Nathan Flynn were both caused by the failure of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) following a lightning strike.”

She and Celeste Flynn told the stories about their husbands’ deaths to the legislators in the Maryland General Assembly earlier this year. And, in April, Gov. Larry Hogan signed the Flynn/Laird Act into law.

Starting in October, the installation of first generation of CSST will be prohibited.

Although they were successful in Maryland, they continue to collect data related to lightning fires. She urged the firefighters to complete a form at www.lightningfiredata.com.

“…Some days it is really hard for me to get out of bed, and some days I am really angry, but I know Josh would want me to do everything possible to make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else…”