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On Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, Captain Joshua Laird of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services lost his life after sustaining injuries sustained in the line of duty. On Friday, Aug. 13, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief.
Battalion Chief Laird, 46, of Fairfield, Pa., was a 21-year veteran of the FCDFRS. He joined Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services on July 31, 2000 as part of Recruit Class 4. Upon graduating, he was assigned to Green Valley Station 25 as a Firefighter I. Throughout his 21 years of service he served at New Market Fire Company, Westview, Spring Ridge, United, Carroll Manor, Braddock Heights, and as a Safety Officer. He ended his last alarm at Green Valley Fire Station 25. Battalion Chief Laird is survived by his wife and two daughters.
This site will be updated frequently with material for media. A media hotline has been established at 301-600-6225.
The funeral service can be viewed at https://livestream.com/msmu/events/9801929.
The processional route from the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to Frederick County will take place in multiple phases.
Phase 1 will begin at approximately noon on Saturday, August 14, at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Washington DC. Battalion Chief Laird will be honorably escorted to the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Taneytown, Maryland. *The procession route will include passing Station 25. Click here for a map detailing the route.
Phase 2 of the procession will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, August 15, and travel from Taneytown, Maryland, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Click here for a map detailing the route.
Phase 3 of the procession begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, when Battalion Chief Laird will be transported from Gettysburg to his hometown of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. At approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday, the procession will travel from Fairfield to Mount St. Mary's University's PNC Sports Complex in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Click here for a REVISED map detailing the routes.
Fallen Firefighter Viewing and Funeral Schedule: Battalion Chief Joshua Laird's Last Alarm
Division of Fire and Rescue Services release (August 14, 2021)
Fallen Firefighter Procession Planned - Phase 1: Battalion Chief Joshua Laird Transferred from OCME to Fairfield
Division of Fire and Rescue Services release (August 13, 2021)
Fallen Firefighter Posthumously Promoted to Rank of Battalion Chief
Division of Fire and Rescue Services release (August 13, 2021)
UPDATE: Frederick County Fallen Firefighter Captain Josh Laird: Updated Information, Donation Links, Media Hotline
Division of Fire and Rescue Services release (August 12, 2021)
Governor Hogan Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Frederick County Fire and Rescue Cpt. Joshua Laird
Governor's Office release (August 12, 2021)
Frederick County Loses Hero in 2-Alarm House Fire in Frederick
Division of Fire and Rescue Services (August 11, 2021)
Entrance to Winchester Hall (main office for Frederick County Government)
Winchester Hall lit with red light in honor of Battalion Chief Laird
A public viewing for fallen firefighter Battalion Chief Joshua Laird is scheduled from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, at the Mount Saint Mary’s University PNC Sports Complex, 16251 Jim Phelan Way, Emmitsburg, Maryland. A Masonic service will take place at 7 p.m.
Parking map for public viewing
The funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the Mount Saint Mary’s University PNC Sports Complex. There will not be a graveside service following the funeral.
The event will be live-streamed on FCG TV and at https://livestream.com/msmu/events/9801929.
Media wanting to attend the funeral service must contact Joe Schumacher at joe.schumacher@ncr-imt.org no later than noon Monday.
Parking map and media staging area for funeral
FCDFRS asks that everyone please respect the privacy of the Laird family during this difficult time. Media will be staged in view of the ceremonial committal.
**Attendees please note: Masks are required inside the PNC Sports Complex for the viewing and the funeral.**