Fallen Heroes Ceremony 2017 Memorializes Maryland First Responders

LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, MD - Held annually to honor Maryland's first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, Fallen Heroes Day at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens recognizes law enforcement and correctional officers as well as fire and EMS personnel who have given their lives in service to others.

At this year's ceremony, Lt. John Ulmschneider, 37, was memorialized. The 13-year member of the Prince George's County Fire Department was shot by a resident when he and another medic responded to a request to check on the welfare a man believed to be suffering a medical emergency on April 15, 2016.

Two firefighters were remembered for their sacrifice before Fallen Heroes Day began in 1986: Captain William J. Miller and Firefighter Carl S. Dill of the Catonsville station died in February 1955 battling a blaze at the Westgate Shopping Center in Catonsville.

They had taken a hose into the basement of the shopping center on Edmondson Avenue near the source of the fire when the roof collapsed, officials said. Miller had reportedly been trying to carry his comrade to safety, but neither survived. Current members of station 4 (Catonsville) and Baltimore County Fire Chief John Hohman accepted the honor.

Maryland State Trooper Gregg A. Presbury, who died in December 1977, was also memorialized. He succumbed to a gunshot wound five days after he was fired upon during a traffic stop near Glen Burnie. His son, Gregg Presbury Jr., accepted the honor, officials said.

A presentation to families of the fallen followed the remarks about each of those who gave their lives. The ceremony concluded with the children of the fallen heroes placing a wreath by the Fallen Heroes Memorial, followed by a 21-gun salute, Taps and a flyover.

Photo Credit: Baltimore County/Flickr.