SHAFER, Warren E.

A series of flash floods caused by heavy thunderstorms swept through parts of Baltimore County. One of these floods occurred where Philadelphia Road crosses Bean Creek, trapping four occupants in an automobile. The rescue attempt of those 4 occupants was underway when another flash flood occurred. A great wall of water came crashing down upon the rescue scene, washing 4 firefighters, 3 occupants of the car, and a tow truck operator, all to their death in the Gunpowder River. The 4 Baltimore County volunteer firefighters who tragically lost their lives while attempting to rescue those stranded motorists were:

Cowenton : Firefighter Charles E. "Hoppy" Hopwood was 42 years old and had served 13 years.

Cowenton: Firefighter Douglas J. Mueller was 18 years old and had served 1 year.

Bowleys Quarters: Firefighter Warren E. Shafer was 23 years old. Number of years served are unknown at this time.

Bowleys Quarters: Firefighter Milton C.R. Desombre was 49 years old. Number of years served are unknown at this time.