ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Friday ordered the U.S. and Maryland flags to be flown at half-staff to honor a fallen firefighter.

Capt. Joshua Laird lost his life on Wednesday battling a house fire in Ijamsville in Frederick County.

It happened at just before 5 p.m. in the 9500-block of Ball Road.  The home had reportedly been struck by lightning as severe storms passed through the neighborhood.

A “mayday” call went out after Capt. Laird fell through the floor of the home.  He was flown to MedStar hospital and died from his injuries.

“It is with utmost and profound sadness that I inform you that Capt. Joshua Laird succame to his injuries this evening,” Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services Battalion Chief Tom Coe said during a Wednesday evening news conference.

Laird had been a member of the department for more than 20 years.

“Maryland has lost another of our true heroes—Captain Joshua Laird, a 21-year veteran of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, lost his life in the line of duty yesterday while bravely responding to a fire in Ijamsville,” said Governor Hogan. “On behalf of all Marylanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his fellow firefighters, and to all those who loved him.”

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.

I have directed U.S. and state flags in Maryland to fly at half-staff in honor of Capt. Joshua Laird, a 21-year veteran of @FCDFRS, who lost his life in the line of duty yesterday while bravely responding to a fire in Ijamsville. pic.twitter.com/dmPJjd4KCQ

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) August 12, 2021

Photo via Career Firefighters Association of Frederick County, MD Local 3666