Gunther
POUGHKEEPSIE – A 21-year veteran Poughkeepsie firefighter died Tuesday after suffering an apparent heart attack while trying to rescue a victim of Monday’s fire at 215 Church Street.
Timothy Gunther, 54, is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty since 1971, said Fire Chief Mark Johnson.
“He was trying to save a life of another person and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for that,” Johnson said.
Mayor John Tkazyik praised the fallen firefighter.
Tkazyik, podium) and Johnson,
announced Gunther’s death
Tuesday at City Hall
“He served this community with pride and distinction and for that, we commend him. To his family, you have a great reason to be proud,” the mayor said.
Chief Johnson said Gunther will be given a full honors funeral similar to the one for Det. John Falcone, who also died in the line of duty a few years ago.
The identity of an occupant of the house who also died remains unknown.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said flags on all county government facilities will be flown at half-staff to honor Gunther.
