He was killed along with an FBI Special Agent in 2017.
Rockville, Md (KM) A dedication ceremony was held on Friday along Interstate 270 in Montgomery County to honor the memory of Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen. He died on December 8th, 2017 after being struck by a vehicle along the highway.
At 10:01 PM that night, the State Fire Marshal’s Office says Cohen had stopped along the southbound lanes of I-270 near Gude Drive to assist FBI Special Agent Carlos Wolff whose SUV was damaged in a single-vehicle crash. Cohen called the Rockville Barrack of the Maryland State Police to report the crash. He was off-duty at the time.
Both men were on the shoulder of the fast lane of I-270 southbound when they were struck by a vehicle. The two were thrown over the jersey wall to the northbound I-270 fast lane. . Wolff also died in the incident.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office say Cohen, 33, was a decorated investigator, and was repeatedly recognized for his outstanding service to the people of Maryland. In addition, he was also a member of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 33.
Cohen was also a nine-year veteran of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, assigned to the Northeast Region which includes Carroll, Harford and Cecil Counties.
“While off duty, Deputy Chief Cohen saw the danger to Special Agent Wolff and intentionally placed himself and his vehicle in a position to protect them,:” said Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci. “This noble act demonstrated his amazing character that many of those who worked with him already knew and experienced. From now on this sign will be posted on the stretch of highway dedicated to Sander will ensure his memory and legacy live on forever.”
The sign honoring Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Cohen is located along I-270 between Falls Road and Montrose Road.
By Kevin McManus