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Baltimore firefighter suffers fatal medical emergency during training

The union said Emergency Vehicle Driver Charles Mudra suffered a “catastrophic medical emergency”

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department is mourning the loss of Emergency Vehicle Driver Charles “Charlie” Mudra, who died in the line of duty after suffering a medical emergency during a training session.

Mudra, a 17-year veteran of the department and a member of Truck Company 20, suffered a catastrophic medical emergency during a skills training session, Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 posted on social media.

Mudra’s death comes just days after the department and union shared that Lt. Mark Dranbauer’s injuries from a May 12 incident were determined to be non-survivable. Dranbauer experienced a medical emergency on an aerial ladder during a fire.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.