Baltimore City Fire Department, Maryland • Line of Duty Death: October 19, 2023

Firefighter/EMT Rodney Pitts III of the Baltimore City Fire Department was killed while battling intense flames at a residential fire on October 19, 2023. He had been with the department one year and was 31 years old. Another firefighter died from his injuries a few days later and three more were treated and released from the hospital.

Pitts was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was educated at Baltimore City Public Schools. He always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, even at a young age. He grew up very family-oriented and was raised by a village of family members, including his mom, grandparents, aunts and uncles. He enjoyed sports, football, baseball, fishing and traveling. He enjoyed vacationing with family and lived life to the fullest. Pitts was a young man with an old soul, with a kind and generous heart and spirit. He would selflessly do anything he could for others. His sense of humor made everyone laugh and he loved seeing them smile.

Pitts and his fiance, Natasha Holmes, were introduced by his cousin, and a bit of flirting ensued. After their first official date, they knew they had something special together. They had a blended family, with Harper, Natasha’s daughter, Arianna, from a previous relationship, and their child together, Hendrix. Pitts got the chance to live his dream, and entered the fire academy on October 12, 2022. He wanted to make a difference in his community and also wanted to support his family and be proud of his service to others. He loved being first on the scene and solving problems. He was brave and fearless, and the best firefighter he could be. It was his calling. He loved his family deeply, and was a great Dad to his children. He had a pure heart and was an outstanding father, protector and provider for his family.

Firefighter/EMT Rodney Pitts III is survived by his wife, Natasha Holmes, children, Harper, Arianna and Hendrix, mother, Monica and father, Rodney Jr., his six siblings and his grandparents, as well as many other loving family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Pitts family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.