Baltimore Firefighter Dies During Training Session

Emergency Vehicle Driver Charles Mudra was taking part in training at the Baltimore Fire Academy when he fell ill.

May 16, 2025

Baltimore Emergency Vehicle Driver Charles Mudra

It's been a challenging week for Baltimore firefighters, and Friday after, Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 announced that a firefighter died after falling ill during training.

Emergency Vehicle Driver Charles Mudra suffered a catastrophic medical emergency at the city's fire academy while he was participating in a skills-based training.

Assigned to Truck 20, Mudra was a member of the department for 17 years.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. His service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our city will never be forgotten," a statement from Local 724 said.

Earlier this week, Lt. Mark Dranbauer, 44, was stricken during a fire in downtown Baltimore.

Baltimore Fire Officers IAFF Local 964 announced that Dranbauer will continue to save lives through the donation of organs and tissue after he was placed on life support.

About the Author

Peter Matthews

Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.