Charles “Charlie” Mudra, a veteran emergency vehicle driver with the Baltimore City Fire Department, has died after suffering a medical crisis during a training session.
According to Fire Rescue 1, Mudra’s sudden death comes just days after another department member, Lt. Mark Dranbauer, experienced a fatal medical emergency while working at a fire scene.
The incident occurred during a department skills training, before the afternoon of May 16, when officials confirmed the firefighter’s death. Mudra had served within the department for 17 years and was assigned to Truck Company 20. His condition was described as a "catastrophic medical emergency" by Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734, the union representing city firefighters. The union publicly shared news of his passing through its social media channels. Further details regarding the specific nature of the medical emergency or the type of training being conducted have not yet been released by officials. The message from the department and union has emphasized Mudra’s dedication and the profound loss felt by colleagues across the city.
The loss of Mudra marks the second high-profile medical emergency to impact the Baltimore City Fire Department within a single week. The earlier incident involved Lt. Mark Dranbauer, who experienced a grave medical event while operating from an aerial ladder during a May 12 fire response. His injuries were later deemed medically non-survivable by both the department and the union.
Two Separate Medical Emergencies Shake the Fire Department
Lt. Dranbauer had been performing duties on a ladder truck at an active fire scene when the medical incident occurred. No additional public details have been released regarding the specific circumstances leading to the emergency. His condition was described as unsalvageable shortly after the incident via statements from both city officials and firefighter union representatives.
The proximity of these two incidents—each involving longtime fire service members enduring medical crises in the line of duty—has placed the department under heightened emotional strain. Colleagues have expressed collective grief and concern over the well-being of fellow firefighters who face high-risk situations each day, both during emergency calls and routine department activities like training exercises. These recent events underscore the physical demands and health hazards routinely faced by fire service members, even outside of live fire response situations. Skills training, though designed to enhance safety and effectiveness during emergencies, often includes rigorous physical and mental challenges to simulate real-world pressures.
Firefighter Remembered for Commitment and Service
Mudra’s 17-year career reflected a deep commitment to the city and his team. Officials noted that his role as an emergency vehicle driver required both technical expertise and quick, accurate judgment in high-stress scenarios. His assignment to Truck Company 20 placed him at the heart of many emergency responses across Baltimore's challenging urban landscape. Members of the fire department and union leadership have asked for privacy and respect for Mudra's family as they navigate this tragic loss. No formal memorial or funeral arrangements had been publicly shared as of Friday evening. The department is expected to release more information about how it plans to honor his service in the coming days.
The IAFF Local 734 Facebook announcement, while brief, captured the depth of the moment by using the term "catastrophic" to describe the medical incident—a reflection of both its severity and suddenness. The post prompted hundreds of responses from community members, city officials, and fire departments from surrounding regions, extending condolences.
Citywide Mourning as Firefighters Reflect
This dual heartbreak has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore firefighting community, which has endured a series of challenging years marked by increased emergency call volumes and public safety pressures. The loss of Mudra and Dranbauer within such a short time serves as a somber reminder of the dangers and sacrifices tied to the profession.
As union leaders and department officials work to support affected crew members, discussions have also turned to addressing health monitoring and support systems for firefighters in physically taxing roles. It remains unclear whether any prior medical conditions may have contributed to either incident, as the department has not released medical histories or assessments. The back-to-back losses are expected to prompt internal reviews of training formats and stress-management protocols within the department. However, officials remain focused primarily on honoring the lives and legacies of the fallen first responders in the immediate aftermath.
Support Rallies from Region and Beyond
This week, messages of solidarity have poured in from firefighter unions and emergency service departments across the region. Local and national firefighter community members shared photos, tributes, and reflections to honor both Mudra and Dranbauer via social media platforms. Other city agencies have also issued condolences, and city council members have spoken publicly in defense of robust mental health resources for first responders. Mayor’s Office representatives have yet to provide an official statement, though past practice indicates recognition of departmental losses typically follows shortly after public confirmation.
Firefighting roles remain some of the most physically demanding positions in public service. With intense training, long shifts, and constant exposure to high-pressure scenarios, incidents like these raise awareness about the unseen toll the job can take, even during non-emergency periods such as skills training events.
Ongoing Reflection and Department Response
While the Baltimore City Fire Department has yet to release a formal investigation timeline, officials have confirmed an internal review will take place to assess the circumstances around Mudra's medical incident. Reviews of safety measures and response procedures are typically standard following any line-of-duty medical emergency. Such reviews are not designed to assign blame but to better understand any contributing factors and ensure best practices are in place. Given the department's close-knit nature, these efforts are often carried out with the input and cooperation of the entire crew.
As the community continues to grieve, celebrations of Mudra’s service and reflections on the contributions of Lt. Dranbauer offer a moment for the public to acknowledge the enduring bravery of those who protect the city's residents. Their stories echo across the city, reinforcing the shared respect for Baltimore’s firefighting community.
