In Memoriam 

In its long history The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company has had the undeniably sad and heart wrenching experience of the loss of two members in the Line of Duty. The first was on January 3, 1974, when Harry E Hopkins, Jr. suffered a heart attack while working in the Bel Air Station. The second occurred on January 6, 2015, when Erick P. Steciak was struck by a fire company vehicle while operating on the scene of an automobile accident near the Patterson Mill Station.

This tribute is in honor of the two members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We pray we never experience another. 

Honoring Our Fallen

Throughout its long and proud history, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company has experienced the profound loss of two members who gave their lives in the Line of Duty. These tragedies serve as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those who answer the call to protect their community.

We remember and honor these members for their dedication, courage, and ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Their legacy remains a lasting part of our department’s history and spirit.

Erik P. Steciak

End of Watch: January 6, 2015

Erik P. Steciak of Columbia, Maryland, died suddenly in the line of duty, on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Born November 6, 1985, in Seoul, Korea, he was the son of Orest Steciak and Jennifer Young Steciak of Columbia. Erik began his career with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company on December 1, 2011, as a paid EMS employee. He was also a volunteer Fire Captain at the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department in Howard County,  Maryland. During Erik’s time with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company he responded to over 1400 calls.

He received training through the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Training and at Howard Community College; received training in EMS at Drexel University, Philadelphia and interned in the emergency and operating rooms at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia. He received his EMT Intermediate 99 Certification and Fire Service Instructor III Certification in 2010 and Paramedic, EMT Paramedic and ALS Authorization Letter certifications in 2011.

Being a dedicated volunteer at West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, he received many awards over the past several years, which included: EMS Person of the Year in 2006, one of the Top EMS Responders in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. He was also a Top Fire Responder in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2011, Erik received the Luke Hoffman Training Award,  as well as,  the Gift of Life Award. His additional awards included the Fire and Rescue Quality and Care Award, Top Combination Responder, Distinguished Service and Provider of the Year awards. Erik was also technologically savvy with computers and enjoyed music, playing in his band, “Ride 56”.

Erik always displayed the highest level of professionalism while on duty at the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.  His patient care skills were exemplary and his compassion was even greater.  Erik was always looking to further his knowledge and education.  He viewed every call as a learning experience.  Each call, he would bring something back from the call and further his own knowledge. Erik quickly became a major resource when it came time to assist with EMS training.

Erik became a mentor and teacher to many members of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company at their Patterson Mill Station.  With new members going through EMT class, he would sit down with them going over all materials and helping to explain things that were hard to understand.  Many Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company members have stated that they would not have passed the EMT class if it were not for the help Erik gave them.

On January 6, 2015, Paramedic Erik P. Steciak was on the scene of a motor vehicle accident with injury at 310 Patterson Mill Road, Bel Air, MD. Paramedic Steciak requested assistance with additional equipment to reach a vehicle which was located down an embankment. During this incident, Paramedic Steciak was struck by a unit which had arrived on the scene to assist with the incident. On scene personnel began life saving efforts to save Paramedic Steciak and he was transported to Upper Chesapeake Hospital where resuscitation efforts continued. Tragically, Paramedic Steciak died from his injuries. Paramedic Steciak gave his life in service to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, the citizens of Harford County and the State of Maryland. He also was an active volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic with the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department in Howard County where he was serving as Fire Captain. Paramedic/Fire Captain Erik Park Steciak was 29 years old and had served over 5 years. With Eric’s selfless mentoring, dedication, and love for the fire and EMS services, he will be missed by all the lives that he touched during  his career as a firefighter and EMS responder. His service and commitment to protecting the community will always be remembered by the members of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and the citizens he served. 

Harry E. Hopkins, Jr.

End of Watch: January 3, 1974

Harry E. Hopkins Jr, known as Buddy or Hoppy to his friends and colleagues, comes from a family of Harford County volunteer firefighters that includes his children, nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law. He joined the volunteer fire service in 1951. After initially joining Jarrettsville VFC he then moved to Bel Air and became a member of the Bel Air VFC in January 1954.

Throughout his 20 years of service he held many offices and sat on several committees. In 1955 he held the rank of Captain. He served as Lieutenant in 1957 and 1958. From 1959-1961 he served as Ambulance Captain which in today’s emergency services is called Emergency Medical Services Chief.

He returned to the position of Fire Captain in 1962. In 1964 he was elected to the Board of Directors serving as Vice-President until his death in 1974. In addition to serving as an officer he served on many firehouse committees. Most notably were the 1957 Ambulance Committee, he was the liaison and mentor to a local Boy Scout Explorer Troop, the 1972-73 Engine Committee to purchase Engine 313 and managing “the boys fund” which was a recreation fund supplemented by vending machines and used to purchase recreational, leisure, and sports equipment for members to use while at the station.

Harry was skilled in firefighting and pump operations having taken the Basic and Advanced Firemanship Courses through the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. From 1954-1961 he was one of the top two responders and from 1959-1973 he was one of the Top 15 (then) current Responders. Harry was very active in the emergency medical services community actively (and frequently) riding the ambulance treating and transporting patients to local hospitals.

He was a skilled provider and was a certified American Red Cross Basic and Advanced First Aid teaching classes to firefighters and citizens. Additionally, he completed numerous Maryland Fire and Rescue Courses as well as in-house trainings.

Harry was a dedicated volunteer firefighter who believed wholeheartedly in serving his community. His passion for the volunteer fire service was superseded only by his love for family and friends.

On January 3, 1974, Firefighter Harry E. Hopkins, Jr. was working inside the Bel Air fire station when he collapsed, having suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Resuscitation attempts were started immediately by fire department personnel and Firefighter Hopkins was transported to Harford Memorial Hospital. Sadly, all resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Firefighter Hopkins first joined the Jarrettsville VFC in 1951. In 1954, he moved to Bel Air and joined the Bel Air VFC where through the years he served in many capacities including Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Ambulance Captain, Boy Scout mentor & liaison, and Vice President. Along with being a skilled firefighter and pump operator, he was also a skilled EMS provider and taught American Red Cross Advanced First Aid to many. "Harry was a dedicated volunteer firefighter who believed wholeheartedly in serving his community." Firefighter Harry E. Hopkins, Jr. was 50 years old and had served in the volunteer fire service for 23 years. At the time of his death Harry was working in the station when he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. He was with several other volunteers who immediately began CPR and transported him to Harford Memorial Hospital where he died. He is survived by his wife, Martha E. Hopkins, and two sons, Philip D. Hopkins, and Past BAVFC Fire Chief and President Edward Hopkins, III. His dedication to the fire service and his willingness to serve the community reflect the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. 

In Honor

These pages stand as a tribute to the memory of two members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service, courage, and commitment will never be forgotten. We honor their legacy and remain committed to the mission they served so faithfully. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, friends, and fellow firefighters. Their watch has ended, but their memory continues to guide and inspire those who serve today. 

Brother, when you weep for me, remember that it was meant to be Lay me down and when you leave, remember I’ll be at your sleeve

In every dark and choking hall, I’ll be there as you slowly crawl On every roof in driving snow, I’ll hold your coat and you will know

In cellars hot with searing heat, at windows where a gate you meet In closets where young children hide, you know I’ll be there at your side

The house from which I now respond, is overstaffed with heroes gone Men who answered one last bell, did the job and did it well

As firemen we understand, that death’s a card dealt in our hand A card we hope we never play, but one we hold there anyway

That card is something we ignore, as we crawl across a weakened floor For we know that we’re the only prayer, for anyone that might be there

So remember as you wipe your tears, the joy I knew throughout the years As I did the job I loved to do, I pray that thought will see you through

- Author unknown