Christopher Higgins, a veteran Maryland firefighter who died in the line of duty Saturday evening, started his career at a volunteer fire company in Anne Arundel County.

Higgins, a 46-year-old firefighter with the Montgomery County Fire Department, died while battling a fire on Bradford Lane in Laurel. He spent 23 years as a firefighter, including his start at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in Severna Park.

“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the untimely passing of Firefighter Christopher Higgins, a career Montgomery County Firefighter as well as a Volunteer Firefighter with Anne Arundel County, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in Severna Park,” the Anne Arundel County Fire Department said in a statement. “Chris made the ultimate sacrifice last night, January 11, 2025, while responding to a fire in Prince George’s County.”

According to the Montgomery County Fire Department, Higgins was working at a house fire in Prince George’s County when he collapsed. He was taken to the hospital where he was unable to be revived after “extensive resuscitation efforts,” according to the department.

He is survived by his wife and two young children.

“Our hearts are heavy at the loss of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a post on social media. “MFF Higgins honorably served the community for 23 years and will be remembered as a loving husband and father, skilled firefighter, great mentor, and a deeply loved friend.”

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray offered condolences from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“During this difficult time, our hearts break for the family, friends, and fellow firefighters at MCFRS and the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company,” Mowbray said.

WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner. See the original report.