SaSALISBURY- Salisbury firefighters on Wednesday evening learned about the death of their comrade, Michael McMullen.
The 26-year-old Army sergeant was wounded Christmas Eve when a homemade bomb exploded near his unit.
During a press conference held Thursday at Salisbury Fire Department Headquarters, Chief David See announced that McMullen died Tuesday at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as result of his injuries.
McMullen had initially been taken to Germany for treatment. At that time, firefighters told reporters that they did not know his condition. He was then flown back to the states for further treatment.
While all this was happening, the close circle of firefighters had helped to care for the McMullen family here at home. The department even purchased a pre-paid Visa card for the family to use for meals and other necessary expenses.
McMullen, who had been employed by the Salisbury Fire Department since 2001, was deployed to Iraq in summer of last year.
Chief See said he most recently visited McMullen at the hospital on Monday but McMullen was unconscious. The chief said McMullen leaves behind positive memories.
"He was gung ho and was well liked among the department," See said. "Among the troops of the department he was well respected. He was very patient."
McMullen was originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Princess Anne in 1994. He graduated from Washington High School. He began his career in public service as a paramedic and volunteer firefighter with the Princess Anne Fire Department in 1998 before becoming a career firefighter and paramedic with the Salisbury Fire Department three years later. Besides his regular duties he also served on the department's dive team, hazmat team and special operations team.
McMullen had no children and was unmarried. He leaves behind a brother and a sister, his parents and his fiancee.
McMullen's family did not attend Thursday's press conference.
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet.
