OUR STORY

The Coleman family’s legacy in the fire service began in 1971 when Craig “Beatle” Coleman joined the Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company (RVFC – Station 41). What began as volunteer service quickly became a lifelong calling, ultimately spanning an extraordinary 53 years.

In 1975, Beatle joined the Baltimore County Fire Department (BCoFD) as a career firefighter and paramedic (then known as a CRT). He rose through the ranks to Paramedic Supervisor, serving on the front lines until a career-ending call brought his field service to an end—one whose impact extended far beyond the physical demands of the job.

Beatle’s commitment to service continued well beyond his operational career. He went on to work for the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System (MIEMSS) for more than 20 years, where he became deeply involved with the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. Through this work, he helped develop and expand mental health programs and resources for first responders throughout the state of Maryland. By openly sharing his own experiences, Beatle played a vital role in supporting responders and advancing conversations around mental health long before such discussions were widely accepted.

Before retiring in 2016, Beatle returned to Baltimore County Fire Department as the Administrator for the Baltimore County Volunteer Fire Association, serving as a liaison between the career and volunteer services. Throughout his years of service, he also held numerous leadership roles within RVFC, including EMS Captain, Chief, and President. A strong advocate for volunteerism, he consistently worked to encourage community involvement in the fire service and continues to volunteer with the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighters Association (BCVFA) and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA).

Leslie Coleman joined the fire service years later, beginning her volunteer service in 2008. In 2009, she entered the Baltimore County career service as an EMT, spending much of her career assigned to one of the busiest medic units in the county. Prior to retiring in 2019, she served several years in the Baltimore County Communications Center as the Fire Department’s Administrative Duty Officer (ADO).

In addition to their operational roles, Beatle and Leslie were dedicated educators with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Together, they accumulated a combined 45 years of teaching experience, instructing thousands of EMS and fire service students across Maryland.

Across the Coleman children and their spouses, every member has found a way to contribute to the fire service. Their roles include EMT, Paramedic, Firefighter, Fire Specialist, Captain, and Chief. While many pursued careers within the fire service, others served as volunteers while following different professional paths. Equally vital are the family members who provided unwavering support behind the scenes.

Today, the next generation of the Coleman family has begun answering the call, with one already serving as a volunteer and working toward EMT and Firefighter I certification. If history is any indication, more will follow in the years to come.