Baltimore Fire Department Grieves Loss of Second Firefighter in One Week

The Baltimore Fire Department is in mourning after the death of Lt. Mark Dranbauer, marking the second loss of a firefighter in just a week. Dranbauer was pronounced dead on Friday night after suffering a severe medical emergency while responding to a fire.

On May 12, Lt. Dranbauer was involved in battling a blaze at a three-story building on West Saratoga Street, near Park Avenue, when he experienced a medical emergency that caused him to fall backward down a ladder. He was subsequently rescued by fellow firefighters and transported to Shock Trauma, where he remained on life support for four days before his passing.

Fire Chief James Wallace reported that Dranbauer was approximately 30 to 40 feet above the ground when he fell. Witnesses, including neighbor Richard Choyce, recounted seeing Dranbauer tumbling down the ladder after appearing to experience a medical issue.

In a statement, the Baltimore Fire Department recognized Dranbauer's two decades of service, highlighting his commitment to the community and fellow firefighters. The fire union also expressed gratitude for the support extended to the Dranbauer family during this difficult time.

Chief Wallace noted that Dranbauer came from a family of firefighters and had dedicated 23 years to the department. Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the impact Dranbauer had on the community and the safety of its residents.

On Saturday morning, Dranbauer was honored during a ceremony at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was recognized for his service before undergoing surgery for organ donation. His contributions as a donor are expected to save approximately 70 lives.

This tragedy follows the recent death of 17-year veteran Charlie Mudra, who also passed away due to a medical emergency during a training session earlier in the week.

On the same day as Dranbauer's injury, over 200 firefighters were engaged in a seven-alarm fire at a West Baltimore warehouse, which disrupted Amtrak services and required the temporary evacuation of nearby residents.

Fire Chief Wallace has requested the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to lead the investigation into the cause of the fire, given its significant scale.

Reported by HarborBeat based on CBS News (source).