The heroic line of duty death of Firefighter Mark G. Falkenhan on January 19 was a profound tragedy for his family, the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company, the Baltimore County Fire Department, the United States Secret Service and the community at large. We have only begun to confront the magnitude of his loss.
The officers and members of the Company would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and has genuinely helped us.
We will try our best to thank all of you personally, but there have been countless gestures, large and small, from many who are complete strangers: the hundreds of fire departments and the thousands of firefighters from across this great country that honored Mark; our brothers, sisters and canines in law enforcement who stood in the cold to help us honor a fallen friend; the citizens who stopped during their busy day on the side of the highway to hold a hand over their heart; and the community members who have graciously donated to help Mark's family and stopped us on the street to express a kind thought. Words cannot begin to say thank you. The support of all of you has been truly humbling and will not be forgotten.
Special thanks must be extended to our brothers and sisters in the Baltimore County Fire Department and the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association, the companies from outside the department that manned our station until Mark was laid to rest, and the United States Secret Service. They all worked tirelessly to meet the needs of Mark's family and the company, and to help us ensure that Mark's services befitted a man of his stature.
Mark G. Falkenhan dedicated his life to saving others, and he gave his life doing so. His legacy and life's work contributed — and will continue to contribute — directly to saving the lives of countless people. That cannot be overstated. He was a true professional, an exemplary firefighter and teacher, a loving husband, a wonderful father and a great friend.
Mark G. Falkenhan is a true hero.
Officers and members of the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company