Engine 123 Fills In Baltimore City Engine 56

The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department joined other companies from Central Maryland who filled in Baltimore City firehouses October 16 while city members attended funeral services for Firefighter Allan Roberts.

Engine 123 was assigned to the quarters of Baltimore City Engine 56 on Harford Road, near Northern Parkway. The crew, consisting of Deputy Chief Ed Ruch, Jr; Assistant Chief David Barnes; Sergeant Bill Rehkopf; and Firefighters Chris Carmody and Brandon Ambush were joined by city First Acting Man Arnold Dunham, who served as our host and guide.

The crew barely had time to orient themselves and switch over some equipment when the house gong sounded for a box alarm on Elsrode Avenue. The crew was on the road within a minute.

Enroute to the scene, Engine 123 passed the Ruck Funeral Home, where the procession was about to begin for Firefighter Roberts. As city firefighters in their dress blues watched, it was not lost on the Sykesville crew the sacrifice Roberts made. It was a sobering thought as the engine sped to the scene.

Upon arrival, Sykesville crews were assigned to open up on the second floor, and eventually went to the third floor to open up and check for extension. The fire was quickly controlled, and Sykesville's crew was told to take up.

As Baltimore City largely tends to handle its own incidents without help from surrounding jurisdictions; it was unique to see units from Sykesville, Bel Air and Annapolis on scene with the BCFD apparatus. The city members seemed genuinely pleased to work with the other agencies.

The rest of the shift was somewhat quiet, with the exception of a medical call later in the afternoon.

Firefighter Dunham was an excellent host, sharing war stories and educating the crew on some of the historical items found in the firehouse.

Upon 56 Engine's return, Sykesville was dismissed. There was no career/volunteer firefighter rivalry present this day. The city lieutenant thanked each Sykesvillle member personally with a handshake and an emotional hug.

In addition to Sykesville, Union Bridge's Engine 8-1 and Hampstead's Truck 2 from Carroll County filled in other city stations.

It was a distinct pleasure and honor to be asked to fill-in for the city crews. Each member considered it a once-in-a-lifetime event that will be remembered for years to come.