If you have noticed the red lights on display at our Rosedale 28 firehouse and wondered why, the following is from Baltimore County Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund
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Today, May 4, is International Firefighters' Day, a day when the world honors the work we do and the sacrifices firefighters make.

May 4 was chosen for this observance because it is the feast day of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. Florian, born around 250 A.D., rose to a high rank in the Roman army and is the first known commander of a firefighting squad in the Roman Empire. He trained an elite group of soldiers whose sole responsibility was fighting fires. Florian was martyred for his refusal to obey orders to persecute others; he sacrificed himself for the good of his fellow man.

St. Florian’s commitment to others lives on today, through the firefighters all over the world who risk their lives every day to protect others.
If you have noticed the red light display on the Rosedale 28 firehouse and wondered why, this is from Chief Joanne R. Rund, Baltimore County Fire Department. Thank you!

I am so proud of Baltimore County’s career and volunteer Fire personnel for choosing this vocation. I know our residents are endlessly grateful for your efforts – whether the occasion is a routine garage fire or an historic incident like last month’s 8-alarm wildland fire in Owings Mills.

Beginning tonight and through Sunday, we will follow the lead of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in “lighting the night” for fallen firefighters. Our stations – and the Historic Courthouse -- will be lit red to honor and remember the sacrifice of our fallen fire heroes. Please take some time to reflect on those we have lost and remember to keep safety first in your daily duties.

One last thing from the Fire Chief’s Office, we also take today to say “thank you” for the work you do.


Take care of your personnel so they can focus on the care of others!