To Honor Fallen Bel Air Paramedic, Glassman Orders Harford County Flags at Half-Staff

County Executive Barry Glassman ordered the Harford County flag to be lowered to half-staff Wednesday to honor Erik Steciak, the paramedic from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company who died Tuesday in the line of duty.

Flags will remain at half-staff from Wednesday, Jan. 7, until the day of interment, according to a statement from Glassman, which said he is requesting the Maryland flag be lowered the day of Steciak’s burial.

Services have not yet been announced.

Steciak, 29, was fatally struck by a fire utility vehicle while responding to an injured motorist Tuesday afternoon off Patterson Mill Road.

On Tuesday night, Glassman said he met with the directors and officers of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company to offer the county’s assistance.

He also notified Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, with whom he used to serve on the Maryland Senate Finance Committee, of the tragedy, as Steciak was a Howard County resident and captain in the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department.

“The people of Harford County extend our sympathy and prayers to Erik’s family in honor of his ultimate sacrifice in serving our citizens,” Glassman said. “We also send our prayers out to his brothers and sisters of the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Company, where he was a longtime member.” Steciak had been a member with West Friendship since 2005.

Glassman, who is an honorary member and past president of the Level Volunteer Fire Company, said he was grateful to all those who risk their personal safety to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens every day.

Photo of Erik Steciak courtesy of Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

Related:

• Bel Air Paramedic Killed in Line of Duty
• Patterson Mill Road Crash Involved Bel Air First Responder
• Harford County, Bel Air Mourn Loss of Paramedic