Dranbauer,Jr., Mark R.

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes

Baltimore City Fire Department ~ Baltimore ~ Maryland

On May 12, 2025, units responded to a working row home fire on West Saratoga Street in Baltimore . Lieutenant Mark Dranbauer climbed up the aerial ladder of Truck 5 some 40 feet when he suffered a medical emergency, collapsed, & fell down the ladder.

Lt. Dranbauer was quickly rescued by fellow firefighters and transported to the R.Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in critical condition. He remained on life support until his passing on May 17, 2025. 

Mark Dranbauer was born into a fire department family and at age 16 he joined the Rosedale Volunteers where his parents were members.  After graduating from Eastern Technical High School in 1999, & while attending diesel mechanic school in Texas, he volunteered at a fire company in Houston.

He returned to Maryland & in 2001 was hired by Baltimore City Fire Department, successfully completed the FPA program, earned his ALS certification, & was assigned to an ALS unit for several years before being promoted to Firefighter and then Lieutenant.

Lt.Dranbauer was a dedicated public servant, a loyal colleague, & a mentor to many. He was devoted to his son, James, to his family, friends, and to his community.

Lt. Dranbauer’s last act of heroism, compassion, & service to others, was as an organ donor, where he ultimately helped dozens of people in need.

Lieutenant Mark Ray Dranbauer, Jr. was 44 years old and had served the citizens of Maryland for 28 years.