LODD: Maryland FF killed in Iraq

[JohnnyOV 2]

3 Soldiers From Maryland Killed In Iraq

POSTED: 12:30 p.m. EDT October 15, 2005

UPDATED: 5:25 a.m. EDT October 17, 2005

Story by theWBALChannel.com

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense announced Sunday the deaths of three soldiers from Maryland who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Brian R. Conner, 36, of Baltimore; Spc. Samuel M. Boswell, 20, of Elkridge, Md.; and Spc. Bernard L. Ceo, 23, of Baltimore died in Al Taji, Iraq, on Oct. 14.

They were conducting convoy operations and an 18-wheel tractor-trailer accidentally struck the rear of the vehicle they were in, starting a fire and causing ammunition to detonate.

Baltimore fire department spokesman Kevin Cartwright said Conner was a lieutenant with the department who joined in 1993 and was an emergency vehicle driver before being promoted to lieutenant.

He is survived by a 10-year-old daughter and his mother, whose name was not immediately available, Cartwright said.

A flag was flown at half-staff Saturday outside the fire station in West Baltimore where Conner worked as a member of Engine Company 20.

The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 243rd Engineer Company, Baltimore.

Edited October 17, 2005 by EMSJunkie712