Always our hero: Frederick County firefighter honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

Oct. 9—Each year, firefighters from across the country descend upon the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg to honor those who died, and this time, one of Frederick County's own was among them.

Joshua D. Laird, 46, died from injuries he sustained fighting a house fire in Ijamsville Aug. 11, 2021. He spent 21 years with the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services. He served as captain of Green Valley Fire Station in Monrovia and was posthumously promoted to battalion chief.

Laird is survived by his wife, Sara, and children Erin, 15, and Madelyn, 13.

Laird was among 148 firefighters honored for their sacrifice during a memorial service Sunday at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Of those, 108 died in the line of duty 2021, while others died in previous years.

"Any loss of a firefighter is tragic — to lose so many every year is unthinkable," U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell said to the crowd.

The memorial bears plaques with the names of fallen firefighters. The list grows longer each year.

People left behind roses, fire department patches and a few small pumpkins. Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters were tucked beside and under names all over the 2021 plaque, indicating visitors' relationships to the deceased; quarters get left by someone who served with the fallen firefighter.

There were many quarters surrounding Laird's name Sunday morning.

The tolling of a bell signaled the start of the memorial service. The sound of bagpipes, drums and marching feet filled the air. Families, escorted by uniformed firefighters, sat together in rows of chairs. The sun shone brightly, and a crisp autumn breeze caused giant American flags around the stage to ripple.

Looking around, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said it is clear the firefighting community stands together.

"The people of Frederick County share in your pain and your pride," Gardner said, acknowledging Laird.

She assured those gathered that the fallen and their families would not be forgotten.

"You are now part of our family and you will always have a place to call home, here in Frederick County," Gardner said.

Starting with Alaska, the names of fallen firefighters were read aloud. One at a time, families and loved ones came forward to receive a red rose, a National Fallen Firefighters Memorial badge and an American flag. Each flag had been flown over the United States Capitol and the firefighters memorial.

Young children gripped grown-ups' hands as they walked up to receive their flags. Many tears fell.

When it came time for the Maryland firefighters to be recognized, the Laird family stepped forward.

Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Chief Tom Coe held the folded American flag between his white-gloved hands. He presented it to Laird's widow, Sara, whose children stood by her.

Erin and Madelyn held hands as they walked back to their seats. After the service, both sisters described the ceremony as beautiful.

After the ceremony, Erin said she appreciated meeting people who have been able to move forward after loss.

"It's reassuring that other people have gone through it, and this weekend we've met a lot of other families who have lost their person," Erin said.

Sara said the memorial will ensure her husband is remembered.

Though the reason behind the memorial's existence is "horrible," Madelyn said she found joy in knowing the fallen will not be forgotten.

"I think that today, for me, is really happy," Madelyn said.

Laird's memory is also carried by those who served along with him: Firefighter Vinny Parrish said his best friend's personality was larger than life. Parrish stayed close by the Laird family on Sunday.

Coe said it is meaningful for the fire department to see Laird's name placed on the memorial.

"It is important to us ... that his memory and legacy live on for years to come," Coe said.

Technician Eric Wetzel carried the American flag that Coe then presented to the Lairds.

"It was very touching," Wetzel said. "Coming here, you just feel different."

Technician Steve Ryon served with Laird the day he died.

The two had a tradition of getting lunch together on Fridays. They enjoyed sampling different Moscow Mules.

Ryon chuckled when asked to recall a favorite memory of his friend.

"There's so many of them," he said.

During the memorial service, a large, red reminder of Laird's memory sat parked next to the stage: Engine 251 gleamed under the sun. Laird used to sit on the front passenger side.

The door read, "B.C. Josh Laird," on the outside.

On the interior door, firefighters who served with Laird had written messages in black marker.

"An inspiration to us all," one said.

"My captain and friend," read another.

All expressed words of love.

"Fly high as battalion chief of the sky," one message read. "You'll always be our hero."

Follow Mary Grace Keller on Twitter: @MaryGraceKeller