Article updated with additional information.
A Montgomery County Career Firefighter died tonight after suffering a critical medical emergency while at the scene of a working house fire in Prince George’s County.
Fire Chief Corey Smedley announced the death just after 10:00PM Saturday, but withheld the Firefighter’s name, stating that there were still some remaining family notifications. Chief Smedley did state that the firefighter was 46 years old and a 22-year veteran of the department. On Sunday morning, MCFRS recruitment shared the following, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of one of our own yesterday, Master Firefighter Christopher J. Higgins. He was a dedicated firefighter who served MCFRS for 23 years. Rest in peace, brother. Your legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Career and Volunteer firefighters from Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery Counties responded to a reported house fire Saturday evening on Bradford Drive in Prince George’s County. According to Chief Smedley, while “actively engaged in emergency operations”, the firefighter was found down and unresponsive. He was transported to an area Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Chief Smedley indicated that an extensive investigation will provide more answers as to the exact sequence of events leading to the Line of Duty Death.
Firefighters from Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, and other surrounding Counties frequently respond into each other’s jurisdictions to provide vital emergency response services.
