On Monday morning, Baltimore firefighters rushed to a burning three-story home on Stricker Street only to be tragically buried alive in the rubble when it collapsed. Three brave souls lost their lives while another was injured. It was an awful tragedy that could have been avoided if proper safety and evacuation protocols were followed. The families of these heroic men will mourn for years to come but may take solace in knowing they died serving others with courage and dignity.
The ill-fated victims of the accident were Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter and paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo. Firefighter John McMaster miraculously survived but was swiftly rushed to the ER in critical condition. As of Monday, he’s been on life support precariously lingering between life and death.
“Fingers crossed that he’s going to make it and be just fine. It’s hard to know at this point,” Dr. Thomas Scalea, of Maryland Shock Trauma, said.
At a press conference held shortly after the devastating incident, Chief Niles R. Ford sadly confirmed that one firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene while two others were rushed to medical care but unfortunately couldn’t be saved.
“Today, Baltimore has lost three of the bravest among us. Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect that we can offer anybody,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stated.
As a tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the tragic building collapse, the Baltimore City Fire Department posted a photograph of them along with this heartfelt caption:
“Today, Lt. Paul Butrim, FF Kelsey Sadler & FF Kenny Lacayo lost their lives in service to our city. FF John McMaster remains in the hospital in critical but stable condition. We will continue to pray for the family of those we lost.”
In 2015, the Baltimore Sun reported that three firefighters were injured while fighting a blazing fire at this derelict property- one of which had earlier been given a vacant building notice in 2010. Despite being mandated to register their buildings annually, the owner was cited again in 2020 for failing to do so. This incident further underscores how critical it is for owners of vacant properties to comply with registration regulations.
On January 4, 2022, the house was thoroughly inspected and judged to be properly secured and cleaned. However, it remains unknown what instigated its collapse; investigations are currently underway to answer this question.
The Baltimore area has been rocked by this senseless tragedy, and we extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who were taken too soon. Their loss will be felt deeply in our community for years to come.
Assist us in celebrating the lives of these heroes by writing your sentiments and sympathies in the comments. Furthermore, we would be humbled to read any cherished memories or stories you may possess of them. Let’s pay tribute to their legacies that will never be forgotten. We deeply appreciate your compassion during this trying moment.
