Frederick, Md. – On Monday, Frederick County honored the legacy of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird by dedicating a stretch of Route 80 in his memory. The event also marked the official groundbreaking of the new Green Valley Fire Station, which will sit off Route 80.
“This morning, we honored Battalion Chief Josh Laird, a 21-year veteran of the Frederick County Fire Service who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving others. Josh worked at the Green Valley Fire Station, so it was appropriate that we dedicated the road that runs past where an incredible new fire station will be built to serve our growing community,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “I am so grateful to his widow Sara and his daughters Erin and Maddy for their advocacy for the fire service and for joining us to mark this important milestone for Frederick County.”
“Battalion Chief Laird dedicated his life to protecting this community,” said Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe. “It is fitting that this roadway, traveled every day by the community he served, will forever bear his name and connect to the station he helped envision.”
On August 11, 2021, Chief Laird responded to a reported house fire in the 9500 block of Ball Road in Ijamsville. During the incident, he fell from the first floor into the basement while operating on the fireground and later died from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Family members, including his wife Sara and daughters Erin and Maddy, joined officials for the roadway dedication. The ceremony was attended by County Executive Fitzwater, State Senator William Folden, Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe, and fire service leaders. The event paid tribute to Chief Laird’s dedication and service, ensuring his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
The ceremony also celebrated the start of construction on the new Green Valley Fire Station, a project Chief Laird helped plan as part of the station design committee.
The new Green Valley Fire Station will enhance emergency response capabilities in the area. The current station opened in 1985. It covers nearly 25 square miles and protects approximately 15,000 people. In 2025, crews responded to more than 1,700 unit responses.
The new 19,399 square foot station will have the capacity to house up to 16 firefighters and will have a three-story training tower, a training room, a fitness center, and cancer prevention features such as a decontamination room and exhaust to protect living areas. The project is expected to be completed in June 2027.
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