Community vigil honors fallen Baltimore City firefighter Rodney W. Pitts III: 'He is a hero'

BALTIMORE - A Baltimore City firefighter who died in the line of duty last week was honored by the community Monday evening.

"Long live King Rodney," a loved one said at Monday's vigil that celebrated the 31-year-old. "God made sure he left a hero. He is a hero."

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire at a two-story rowhome last Thursday in the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, which spread to three other homes.

Rodney W. Pitts III, a firefighter/EMT, died from his injuries in the fire. Four other firefighters were injured with various degrees of burns.

With candles in their hands and heavy hearts, Pitts' loved ones and fellow firefighters gathered outside his alma mater, Digital Harbor High School, Monday night to pay tribute.

"The passion he spoke about why he wanted to be a firefighter was because of his mom and he said he wanted to be that person who shows up for somebody and he did," a fellow firefighter said.

Pitts, of Engine Company #29, had been with the Baltimore City Fire Department for one year and graduated from the fire academy over the summer. 

Three of the four injured firefighters have been released from the hospital. The other firefighter Lt. Dillion Rinaldo, remains in the hospital in serious condition.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the fire. They've interviewed people but have not made any arrests.

While the investigation continues, Pitts' loved ones plan to honor by sharing memories and by being there for one another.

"I see the love and support that everybody is showing us and it's just like overwhelming..  but I appreciate it so much," a loved one said. "My brother was like -- he was my best friend."

Pitts' funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 at Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, on North Charles Street. Viewing hours will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at Duda-Ruck Funeral Home, on Wise Avenue.