This morning, October 11, 2012 at 2:00, Northeast Baltimore experienced a horrific dwelling fire in which 4 children, ages one, two, four and seven, were killed along with their grandmother.  Another male adult resident jumped out the window breaking his back and sustaining severe head injuries.  He is in critical condition.  Two firefighters were injured when the floor collapsed. 

I'm sure we're all experiencing budget cuts involving company closures, reduced personnel, stagnated pay and plummeting morale.  Not that many years ago, Baltimore had 58 engine companies along with 30 truck companies.  Presently, we have 32 engine units and 16 trucks.  The politicians keep saying that this makes no difference but we all know better.  We have to stay focused on our job in spite of the adversity.  Continue saving lives and property.  Do your best in all situations and when you look back in later years, you will be content with a life well lived.

 

P.S. Incidentally, two firefighters were severely burned in a fire in Southeast Baltimore which was in progress at the same time.

Retired Firefighter

For more details see the article by Brian Witte from Associated Press