MoCo Firefighter From Pasadena Died From PG County Blaze 'A True Hero'

BURTONSVILLE, MD —Authorities on Sunday confirmed the line-of-duty death of Master Firefighter Christopher J. Higgins, who died Jan. 11 while his Montgomery County Fire and Rescue crew responded to a house fire. He was praised as a mentor to other responders.

Higgins was driver of Truck 715 (Burtonsville), which was called to a fire on Bradford Drive in Prince George’s County. A news release from the fire department said Higgins suffered a "medical event as he was throwing ladders to the structure."

Despite treatment at the scene from medical responders and immediate transfer to White Oak Medical Center, Higgins died from his injuries, the fire department said.

"Higgins was a respected and dedicated member of the MCFRS family, with 23 years of exemplary service. Known for his exceptional skills, mentorship, and unwavering commitment, he was more than a firefighter — he was a friend and role model to many," the department said. "His loss is deeply felt throughout our department and the broader community."

Related: Montgomery County Firefighter Dies After Collapsing At Fire

In addition to serving as a firefighter in Montgomery County, Higgins volunteered in Earliegh Heights in Anne Arundel County.

He was married with two children and lived in Pasadena.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Chris’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Fire Chief Corey Smedley in a statement. “Master Firefighter Higgins dedicated his life to protecting others, and we are committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to serve with the same courage and dedication to which he demonstrated every day.”

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Details about memorial services and department honors for Higgins will be shared as they become available.

Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart offered condolences on behalf of its members to the Higgins family and called him "a true hero (who) devoted more than 22 years of his life to serving and safeguarding our community with compassion and care.

"We are committed to providing the Higgins family and our entire Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service with the support they need throughout this difficult time. We will keep Master Firefighter Higgins and his commitment to helping others in our thoughts, and we know those who served with him will continue his legacy. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him."