UPDATE: Firefighter Succumbs to Injuries After Falling Through Floor at House Fire in Leonardtown

June 27, 2023

UPDATE 7/6/2023: Prayer services and viewing be watched here.

Funeral services can be watched here.

UPDATE 7/4/2023: Brice Clayton Trossbach obituary can be read here.

Brice has been a part of the Leonardtown Fire Department family since he was in diapers, crawling around the firehouse when his father, Warren Trossbach, would bring him to the station. At 16, he joined LVFD as a probationary member, became a junior member, and finally became a full member at 18. Firefighting was in Brice’s blood, his father is a life member of LVFD, and he served alongside his uncles and brother.

“Brice was the kind of guy who, when you gave him a task, you knew it was going to get done the right way the first time, and it was going to get done fast,” continued Chief Bell, “He was always there to support his fire family, whether that was with help around the station, mentoring younger firefighters, or continuing his education to ensure he was the best he could be.”

Brice’s commitment to St. Mary’s County is further evidenced by his Bay District Volunteer Fire Department membership. He has served St. Mary’s County faithfully for ten years.

The investigation is still ongoing as of November 2023. Latest update can be found here.

UPDATE 6/30/2023: It is with profound sadness that NAS Patuxent River announces the tragic loss of our brave firefighter, Brice C. Trossbach, 25, who died in the line of duty while responding to an emergency on June 27, 2023. Trossbach made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a mutual aid call of a structure fire in Leonardtown, Maryland, dedicating his life to protect and serve our community.

Trossbach was a Naval District Washington Fire Fighter at NAS Patuxent River, having joined the department in August of 2019. His commitment to the community was further demonstrated by his additional service as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, which he served with since 2013.

UPDATE @ 8:45 a.m., 6/27/2023: We regret to announce that the firefighter who became trapped within the residence has succumbed to his injuries.

We ask everyone to keep their family and friends in your thoughts and do not share his identity or fire department affiliations until officials release further information.

All St. Mary’s County Fire Departments have been placed out of service with all stations being covered and or assisted by personnel from Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel, Virginia, Washington D.C., and other jurisdictions.

The Maryland State Police, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Office of the Deputy Fire Marshals responded and are assisting with the fire investigation.

Updates and further information will be published when it becomes available.

Point Lookout Road at Deer Wood Park Drive, Lawrence Avenue, Fenwick Street, and Shadrick Street in Leonardtown, will all have detours with large fire apparatus presence.


UPDATE @ 6:15 a.m.: Firefighter removed from the residence and being transported with life-threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023. At 4:07 a.m., firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Valley Lee, and Seventh District responded to the 20000 block of Deer Wood Park Drive in Leonardtown, for the reported house on fire.

Crews arrived on the scene to find fire showing from the first, second floor and through the roof.

Maryland State Police Helicopters are landing nearby.

Firefighters are currently attempting to rescue a firefighter who fell through the floor and is trapped.

Avoid the area for the next 6 hours. Do not drive over hose lines. Watch for tankers for water shuttles and please DO NOT post the company or identity of the missing firefighter.. we will post updates when they become available.