The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is deeply saddened by the loss of Maryland Director Lee Sachs, who died Wednesday (Dec. 19) from cancer.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Lee Sachs, who has been a lifelong champion of the fire and emergency medical services and an integral part of the NVFC board,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “We will remember him as a leader in the fire service, a champion for EMS, and as a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time. Lee will be deeply missed.”
“Lee’s unexpected passing has hit us hard. He was a tremendous advocate for the volunteer fire and emergency services and he will be missed deeply,” said Heather Schafer, NVFC Executive Director.
Sachs had been with the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company since 1976 and served as EMS Lieutenant, President, and Vice President, among other positions. Throughout his service, he responded to more than 10,000 calls and received certification as EMT-A, CRT, EMT-B, Firefighter III, Fire Officer I, and Driver-Operator.
Joining the NVFC board as Maryland Director in 2006, Sachs represented the Council on matters relating to the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program, served on the Finance Committee and as the Council’s Historian, and was a committed voice for EMS on the national level. Sachs chaired the committee that developed the NVFC’s EMS/Rescue Section and subsequently served as the board’s liaison to the Section since it was established in 2010.
Sachs was extremely active with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, and was a Past President of both organizations. His awards included the Governor’s Volunteer and Service Award, Pro Bono Service Award (legal professional award for volunteerism), MSFA Hall of Fame, MSFA Gladhill-Thompson Trophy, and the MSFA Josiah A. Hunt, M.D. Award.
A lifetime resident of the Baltimore area, Sachs was a member of many community and professional associations. He practiced law since 1967, most recently serving as General Counsel to a local real estate developer.
Sachs is survived by his wife, Marjorie Goodman, three children, and six grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, December 21 at 11am at Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, 40 E. Sudbrook Lane, Baltimore, MD 21208.
