17-year veteran of Baltimore Fire Department dies during skills training session
A Baltimore City firefighter died after suffering a medical issue during a skills training session at the Fire Academy on Friday, according to Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 744.
Charlie Mudra, an emergency vehicle driver, was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"Despite immediate advanced life support measures being administered on scene, and transport to Johns Hopkins Hospital, EVD Mudra was declared deceased at 1042am," BCFD said in a statement.
Mudra was recognized as a dedicated public servant and respected colleague after serving with the BCFD for 17 years.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. His service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our city will never be forgotten," the post went on to say.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also released a statement acknowledging Mudra for his service, saying:
"Today, we're devastated by the unexpected loss of another BCFD hero. EVD Charles Mudra dedicated 17 years of service, risking his own life to protect the lives and livelihoods of Baltimoreans. Our city will forever honor the selflessness, bravery, and generosity he offered to our residents and his fellow members of the department. We join his loved ones, friends, and fellow firemen in grieving today—and we will continue to hold them in our prayers."
Senator Chris Van Hollen shared his condolences through a social media post saying, "Heartbroken by the loss of two of Maryland's finest heroes. Lt. Mark Dranbauer and Charles Mudra served their community for years — putting themselves on the line to keep Marylanders safe. My prayers are with their loved ones and with the entire Baltimore City Fire Dept."
Another Baltimore firefighter dies after medical emergency
The announcement of Mudra's death came just as another Baltimore firefighter was on life support after suffering a medical emergency during a rowhome fire on May 12. Lt. Mark Dranbauer was pronounced dead days after.
Lt. Dranbauer fell nearly 30 to 40 feet down a ladder after responding to a three-story building fire on West Saratoga Street near Park Avenue.
He was taken to Shock Trauma in critical condition and is expected to save 70 lives after donating his organs, medical officials said.
Richard Choyce, a neighbor, told WJZ that he witnessed the medical emergency.
"He was three-quarters of the way up that ladder, and I glanced away for a split second, and I looked back up, and he was tumbling backwards down the ladder, head over heels," Choyce said.
Baltimore warehouse fire
On the same day that Lt. Dranbauer was injured, over 200 firefighters worked to contain a seperate seven-alarm fire at a century-old West Baltimore warehouse.
The massive fire disrupted Amtrak services from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore and forced residents to be relocated.
Crews extinguished the blaze more than 24 hours after it sparked.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is leading an investigation to determine the cause.
