Three Baltimore IAFF Members Killed In Tragic Rowhouse Fire

January 30 • 2022

Updated January 29, 2022 — IAFF members, family and friends will be remembering the lives of Lieutenants Paul Butrim and Kelsey Sadler and Fire Fighter/Paramedic Kenneth Lacayo during a joint memorial service on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201.

Paul Butrim, 37, was called to the job in 2005 when he began his training as a fire fighter/paramedic. Immediately after completing his training, he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department. Butrim was always looking to improve his skills as a fire fighter/paramedic, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant.  

Those who knew him say that not only was he an excellent fire fighter, but he was also an all-around good guy and always willing to help. Butrim was a big sports fan and especially liked following baseball and hockey.  

Butrim is survived by his wife Rachel; father Richard Butrim Sr; and brothers Corey and R.J. He is predeceased by his son Nolan. 

Kelsey Sadler, 33, was a Baltimore native who was called to the job early. Sadler joined the Baltimore City Fire Department right after graduating high school in 2006 and quickly became known for being a great fire fighter and her dedication to duty.

She was acting lieutenant when she responded with Engine 14 on what would be her last alarm. In her honor, the Baltimore Fire Department posthumously promoted her to lieutenant.

Off the job, her family and friends knew her as a go-getter, DIY project boss, best friend, party planner, lover of all animals and someone who was always fun to be around.

Sadler is survived by her husband Brandon, stepdaughter Mila, her parents Jerome Norman and Pamela Hopkins, sister Lacey Marino, extended family and friends.  

Kenneth Antonio Lacayo, 30, was a native of Montgomery County, Maryland. Lacayo became a fire fighter in 2012 and a paramedic in 2014, serving first with the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad where he received multiple citations for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Lacayo joined the Baltimore Fire Department in 2014 and was assigned to Engine 14 in August 2021.

All those who knew him well described him as the pinnacle of what a good person should be: kind and humble, always putting others before himself. He spent his off duty hours traveling, listening to music and making others smile.  

Lacayo is survived by his parents Gloria Lacayo and Jose Lacayo of Nicaragua; fiancé Clara Fenelon; siblings Kattia Olivas, Erllin Carcache, Derek Lacayo, Santiago Lacayo; and nieces Hannah Carcache, Anniah Carcache and nephew Ian Lacayo-Vasconez.

Updated January 28, 2022 — A joint memorial service for Baltimore City Fire Department Lieutenants Paul Butrim and Kelsey Sadler and Fire Fighter/Paramedic Kenneth Lacayo will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201.

The three fire fighters died after a partial collapse trapped them in a burning row house fire in West Baltimore. A fourth fire fighter who was trapped, Baltimore Local 734 Fire Fighter John McMaster, was released January 27 from Shock Trauma after being hospitalized in critical condition. Sadler was posthumously promoted to lieutenant.

Updated January 26, 2022 — The Baltimore City Fire Foundation is accepting donations on behalf of the families. To make a donation, visit the foundation’s website and look for the link to donate. The foundation routinely raises money for the families and survivors of fire fighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty.

Three Baltimore IAFF members died in the line of duty and a fourth was gravely injured while responding to a burning southwest Baltimore rowhouse January 24. The structure partially collapsed, trapping the four fire fighters, who called a Mayday. The fire fighters were pulled from the debris and transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Tragically, three succumbed to their injuries, and the fourth fights for his life.

Baltimore Fire Officers Local 964 Lieutenant Paul Butrim, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Kelsey Sadler and Fire Fighter/EMT Kenny Lacayo, both of Baltimore Local 734, died in service to their community. Fire Fighter John E. McMaster, also a member of Local 734, is in critical condition. The three deceased leave grieving family members, a devastated group of brother and sister fire fighters and a forever changed community.

The IAFF is on the ground in Baltimore, including General President Edward Kelly, 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis, Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland President Jeffrey Buddle and IAFF headquarters staff.

“This has been a heartbreaking day for the IAFF, and we are overcome with grief.  The devastation will not prevent us from responding to the call for help,” says General President Kelly. “The IAFF is ready to support our members, their families and this community. The resources of our union are at their disposal 24/7 for as long as they need it. God’s blessings on all involved and all those affected.”

“Our focus remains with the members and their families during this difficult time,” says 4th District Vice President Pantelis. “We have resources onsite and more on the way. The most important thing we can do is to be there for our members and their families.”

The IAFF has deployed peer support teams from multiple locations to Baltimore to assist Local 734 and Local 964 members.

IAFF headquarters staff have established a command center to provide logistical support and behavioral health assistance to those in need. Please join the IAFF in praying for the souls of those lost today, God’s compassion in aiding the recovery of John McMaster and the strength of our community in the path forward from this tragedy.