At Groundbreaking for Frederick County, MD, Fire Station, Fallen Firefighter Lauded
March 13, 2026
3 min read
A fallen firefighter was honored this week during a ground-breaking ceremony for a new Frederick County fire station that he helped design.
Fellow firefighters, including some Frederick County Battalion Chief Josh Laird had mentored, grabbed shovels and turned soil where the new Green Valley Fire Station will be built.
And, a stretch of a state highway was dedicated to him for giving the ultimate sacrifice in 2021 while serving his community. His wife, Sara, and daughters, Erin and Maddie, unveiled a sign bearing his name.
"Green Valley Station 25 is where Josh spent the greatest amount of time
during his 21 years with the Department of Fire and Rescue Services," Sara Laird told those gathered.
"Josh loved connecting with the community. He would take the engine and
his crew to Green Valley Elementary School each week to read to the
students. He genuinely loved spending time with those kids and believed
supporting public education was one of the most important things we could
do for our youth."
She recalled she and her daughters joining the families of other firefighters one Thanksgiving. There were more people than chairs, and someone sat on a cooler. Although elbows touched, the laughter continued.
It was at the Green Valley station where Laird broke his thumb while playing basketball with his shift, she told Firehouse.com.
"Quite conveniently, it limited his ability to change diapers at home for a while. And, it's my understanding is that it may have also ended the competitive sports
division-wide!"
She said she knew her husband was watching with a smile, saying: "It's about time they build it..."
Green Valley Fire Station 25
"This has been 22 years in the making," Fire Chief Tom Coe said, adding that a number of issues pushed the construction back.
The 19,399 square-foot station replaces the existing 3,500 square-foot one that's 41 years old.
"The four-bay station will include a training tower as well as a fitness room. It also will have cancer prevention features including negative pressure ventilation between the bays and living area."
Firefighters also will be able to wash and dry their turnout gear.
Last year, the six firefighters at the station -- who serve about 15,000 residents -- responded to 1,149 calls.
The $9.7 million station -- designed by Bignell Watikins & Hasser -- is expected to be completed in June 2027.
He lauded several people who've been involved in the project over the years.
"Former Fire Rescue Director Walter Murray and Warnie Stevens, a retired Montgomery County firefighter, worked hard to get the land donated. I recognize their hard work as well as that of Laird and Retired Fire Rescue Lt. Steve Shook..."
Coe said station leaders like Shook and Laird know the needs of the firefighters in the station and give valuable input.
The chief added that it was the perfect time and place to honor Laird for his contributions.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
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