Elmwood Elementary School Students Quilt for Fallen Firefighter

Students at Elmwood Elementary students had a unique way of showing their gratitude to a fallen firefighter: they made quilts.

At a Tuesday morning assembly, the students presented three handmade quilts to county firefighters in honor of .

Falkenhan, who lived in Middle River, was the first county firefighter to lose his life in the line of duty since 1984 when he died on Jan. 19.

"It was a great turnout and the kids had a wonderful time seeing all of the rescue squad equipment as well as being really moved by Mrs. Falkenhan’s appreciation," said Elmwood Elementary School art teacher Cara Liggett. 

Liggett said the students created the quilt panels in art class and learned about the Baltimore County Fire Department, fire fighter symbols and the story of how Falkenhan lost his life trying to save others in the community.

One of the quilts was given to Gladys Falkenhan, the fallen firefighter's wife; another was given to the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company, where Falkenhan worked; and the third quilt will be auctioned off at an upcoming bull & oyster roast.

The roast will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight on May 13 at the Towson Center on the campus of Towson University and will feature live music, a silent auction, food and drinks.

Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased using PayPal at www.bcofff.com.

Proceeds from the event, including the quilt auction, will go to the Falkenhan family.

To donate to the silent auction, contact Tim Hamlett at 443-677-9559.