Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ralston Dies, Flags To Be At Half-Staff

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — All flags displayed at county buildings will be flown at half-staff in honor of Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Craig Ralston who passed away Feb. 3. Ralston was a master firefighter with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority and a member of the ECVFD since 2002. He rose through the ranks to become lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and deputy chief.

Ralston received multiple honors, including Firefighter of the Year in 2002-2003. One of his greatest loves at Station 2 was Annabelle, Ellicott City’s antique engine. He also will be remembered for his love of playing the department’s Santa, accompanied by Mrs. Claus, his wife EMS Sergeant Kat Ralston.

“Our sympathies are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Chief Craig Ralston of the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Losing a pillar of our community is never easy and I hope that his loved ones find comfort and peace in their memories of Chief Ralston. He will be missed.”