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LODD: Md. firefighter dies after medical emergency during house fire

Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley announced the death of the firefighter during a press conference

LAUREL, Md. — A Montgomery County firefighter died while working at a house fire in the 15000 block of Bradford Drive in Laurel on Jan. 11.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley announced the death of the firefighter during a press conference at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Hospital, WJLA reported.

The 46-year-old firefighter, whose identity was not released, suffered a medical emergency while on the fireground. EMS personnel provided treatment and transported the firefighter to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We have been working with the family members,” Smedley said. “We will be here with the family members around the clock. There are so many investigations still ongoing right now, so whatever questions that may come out, we’ll try to answer them as best as possible.”

The firefighter’s body will taken to the Maryland State Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore.

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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.