Family members of 3 fallen Baltimore firefighters plan to sue city, state

The survivors have claims worth more than $10 million, attorneys for the families said

By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1/EMS1

BALTIMORE — Family members of the three firefighters who died in a vacant house collapse in January plan to sue the city and the state of Maryland, CBS News reported.

Attorneys for the families filed a notice Wednesday, signaling an intent to sue, and said that the family members suffered “severe emotional anguish” and have claims worth more than $10 million, the Baltimore Sun reported.

A fire engine carrying the casket of Lt. Kelsey Sadler is seen during a procession following a funeral for her and two other firefighters on Feb. 2 in Baltimore. A fourth firefighter was injured and transported to a hospital. (File photo/Julio Cortez/Associated Press)

“The loss of life and injuries that occurred on January 24, 2022, could have and should have been prevented,” the notice says.

Baltimore firefighters Lt. Paul Butrim, Firefighter-Paramedic Kenny Lacayo and Lt. Kelsey Sadler died in the rowhouse fire and collapse. A fourth firefighter was injured and hospitalized.

The notice of the impending wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rachel Butrim, Paul Butrim’s widow; Gloria Elena Lacayo; Jose Lacayo, Kenny Lacayo’s father; Lacey Marino, representing Kelsey Sadler’s estate; Jerry Norman, Kelsey Sadler’s father; Brandon Sadler, Kelsey Sadler’s widower; and Firefighter-EMT John McMaster, the injured firefighter.

Baltimore Fire Chief Niles Ford resigned from his position earlier this month as a report on the fatal fire was released.