5-05-2024 7:45am

TIMONIUM HONORS

Jeff Barto Editor

The 39th annual Fallen Heroes Day observance was held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. The observance honored Maryland police, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who died in the line of duty. Fallen Heroes Day, which is held each year on the first Friday in May, is also an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation for those who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Maryland. VIDEO HERE

We are grateful for the gifted musicians who shared their talents with us in tribute to our fallen heroes. Senior Firefighter/EMT John Stansfield of The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company sang the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Hereford High School Chamber Choir, led by David Sobel, along with singers and songwriters Jeremy and Kimberly Sorensen and Jon Wikstrom, provided the ceremony music. Paramedic William Keenan of the Baltimore County Fire Department and Firefighter Alex Hall of the Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue performed Taps.

The following fallen heroes were honored at the Fallen Heroes Day ceremony.

Firefighter Mark R. Fisher, Jr., Montgomery County Maryland – Fire & Rescue Service, Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue

Firefighter/EMT Bryan P. Hamilton, Naval District Washington (NDW) Fire Department, Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc.

Firefighter/EVD Henry W. Eckhardt, Jr., Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company

Deputy Chief Craig E. Ralston, Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Deputy Scott C. McArdle, Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office

Firefighter Brice C. Trossbach, Naval District Washington (NDW) Fire Department, Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

Firefighter/EMT Rodney W. Pitts, III, Baltimore City Fire Department

Captain Dillon J. Rinaldo, Baltimore City Fire Department

A Governor’s Proclamation will be presented to the families of the following fallen heroes:

Firefighter Charles H. Jerscheid, Sr., Baltimore City Fire Department, January 11, 1956

Firefighter Joseph S. Taylor, Baltimore City Fire Department, January 11, 1956