Thousands of firefighters from across Maryland, and as far away as Richmond and New York, lined North Charles Street and filled The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen Monday to honor Allan Michael Roberts, the Baltimore firefighter killed last Tuesday.
Roberts, a 19-year veteran who received a commendation in 1994 after saving an infant from a burning apartment building, was the first city firefighter to die in the line of duty since 1995.
Recommended Stories
He leaves behind his wife, Teresa, and four children, Samantha, 13, Kaitlyn, 11, Jacob, 5, and 18-month-old Daniel.
The Fire Brigade Pipes & Drums of Greater Baltimore, some fighting back tears, led the procession in traditional kilts and berets. They performed the funeral march “Going Home” as Roberts? silver casket, draped in the firefighters? flag, was carried into the church by six of his comrades.
“We?re not here because of the way he died,” Baltimore Mayor Martin O?Malley said, addressing the solemn standing-room crowd, “but because of the way he lived ? with courage every single day.”
Fire Department Chief William Goodwin then played a recording of the dispatch that brought Roberts and 31 other fire personnel to the blazing row house in Greektown. The alarm told units to report to an address on South Macon Street where there were “persons trapped on the second floor.” Roberts arrived in minutes and was the first inside the building.
“In a brief fleeting moment, you think of your own life and you think about your own family and you worry that children might be trapped inside,” Goodwin said. “But then you switch, as Allan did, into that professionalism, and you use those thoughts to motivate you and bring your training to peak performance.”
Truck 26 captain David Goldman fought fires “side-to-side and back-to-back” with Roberts. Goldman said he could count on his friend in most difficult circumstances. He said Roberts, 40, talked often of his kids.
“I?ll miss you, buddy,” Goldman said. “More than you?ll ever know.”
Other friends remembered their pal Monday at their Baltimore Ravens “purple bus” tailgateparty. They described Roberts, a season ticket holder, as a fun, avid fan, who went to every game with the same large group ? mostly firefighters, too.
Roberts is also survived by his parents, Sandra and Robert Jarred. “I?m proud of my son,” said Roberts? mother, Sandra. “My only hope is that other mothers don?t have to go through burying their sons. He was a wonderful boy, a terrific father and great firefighter.”
