Our Fallen Brothers
Brian Letrent and Eugene "Gene" Furey. Their lives were devoted to protecting our community as firefighters, and their legacy will forever be in our hearts.
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Brian Letrent and Eugene Furey were not just firefighters; they were pillars of strength, resilience, and compassion. Brian, with his infectious smile and unwavering dedication, and Eugene, with his calm demeanor and tireless commitment. Both Heroes passed in the Line of Duty.
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On the day of June 20th, 2023, our brother Brian J. Letrent attended a required training that was very physical. After returning home and going to work the next day, Letrent went into cardiac arrest, and was immediately transported to the Hospital. Unfortunately, the medical staff was unable to resuscitate him, and he passed away shortly upon arrival. At the time of his passing, Brian was only 34 years of age, and left behind many loved ones. His last alarm was June 20th, 2023, and he passed away on June 21st, 2023. Prior to the service with our Fire Department, Brian served in the US Army, in which he was deployed in Iraq for 6 months. Brian, a true leader in every sense, was the epitome of courage. Brian never failed to put a smile on anybody's face, and was an idol to those around him. The fire that burned within him to serve and protect was matched only by his compassion for those in need. Brian's legacy is one of bravery, kindness, and an unyielding commitment to the well-being of our community.
While responding to an emergency call on November 20, 1988, Eugene Furey, our brother, was killed when he lost control of his 1987 Chevrolet Blazer. His vehicle lost control on a rain-slicked Pinewald Road and crashed into a tree. Shortly after his death, the township named the road next to the Bayville firehouse Eugene Furey Boulevard. Many newcomers to Berkeley Township do not recognize the significance of the road sign, his brothers have never forgotten. Eugene, with his quiet strength and gentle spirit, was a calming presence in the midst of chaos. Gene was just 28 years old when he passed, and left behind a loving family, and loving friends. His dedication to the Bayville Fire Department was unwavering, and his comrades often found solace in his steady leadership during challenging times. The Eugene Furey Award is presented to the one graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement and practical excellence for their performance in the classroom and on the drill ground. Eugene's legacy is one of reliability, camaraderie, and a steadfast commitment to the safety of our community.
Brian and Eugene left behind loving families who only wanted the best for the both of them. Their camaraderie extended beyond the fire station; they were brothers bound by a shared purpose. As we mourn their untimely departure, let us also celebrate the lives they lived and the impact they had on each of us. Brian and Eugene were not just firefighters; they were beacons of hope, symbols of strength, and guardians of our community. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations of Bayville residents to come.
Let us remember Brian Letrent and Eugene Furey for the selfless acts of heroism that defined their lives. In their memory, let us strive to honor their legacy by embodying the same spirit of service, courage, and dedication that they so exemplified. May their souls find eternal peace, and may their memory live on in the stories we share, the lessons we learn, and the bonds we forge in our close-knit community. We say goodbye to two heroes, but their spirit will forever be alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
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Rest in peace, Brian and Eugene. Your bravery will forever echo through the halls of the Bayville Volunteer Fire Company and the hearts of a grateful community.