The Montgomery County community and its fire department are mourning the death of Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, who passed away following a medical emergency while responding to a house fire on Saturday. Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Chief Corey Smedley confirmed Higgins’ death in a statement to WUSA9, detailing that Higgins was performing duties on the exterior of the building during a mutual aid operation with Prince George’s County firefighters when the incident occurred.
Higgins, 46, was rushed to Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring after first responders performed CPR at the scene. Despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead. A full investigation is underway by multiple agencies to determine the cause of his death, and autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore will confirm the official cause, according to DC News Now.
Higgins is remembered as a dedicated professional and family man. Chief Smedley noted the strong sense of community within the fire service, saying "What you will learn about the fire service is we are a big family, and those family members continue to take care of each other," in a statement obtained by DC News Now.
He also acknowledged Higgins' deep love for his wife, children, and colleagues, according to WJLA.
Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson referred to Higgins as one of the department's best and a true fireman’s fireman. Maryland Governor Wes Moore offered condolences, honoring Higgins’ sacrifice as the ultimate act of service to his community.
