Lieutenant Nathan Flynn of the Howard County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue, and Battalion Chief Josh Laird of the Frederick County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue (both promoted posthumously), were killed nearly three years apart to the day while fighting fires. Both firefighters died after falling through floors in large, lightweight constructed, Type V, single-family dwellings. Both fires started when lightning strikes penetrated the dwellings, burning through the corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) used to supply gas to the homes’ appliances.
The fallen firefighters’ widows, Celeste Flynn and Sara Laird, have been on a campaign since their husbands’ deaths to warn firefighters of the hazards associated with CSST and pass legislation to better regulate use of the product.
On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Frederick County and Howard County Departments of Fire and Rescue hosted the first combined training program to bring the findings from the fire to the fire service’s attention.
It is our privilege to post this link Lt. Nathan Flynn & BC Josh Laird Combined Training Program – YouTube in memory of Lieutenant Flynn and Battalion Chief Laird, and we encourage you to share with as many colleagues as possible to honor their sacrifice.
