ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Veterans Day renaming Route 55 (Church Street) in Poughkeepsie in honor of Poughkeepsie firefighter Timothy “Timbo” Gunther who died in the line of duty in 2015. The legislation was sponsored in the Assembly by member Jonathan Jacobson, with Sue Serino sponsoring it in the Senate.
Gunther, a 21-year veteran of the department, assigned to Engine 2 was working with fellow firefighters at a Church Street blaze on May 5, 2015. After an exhausting few hours, including removing a lifeless victim from the building, Gunther told Deputy Chief Ed Decker, now retired, that he was feeling short of breath and had a tingling in his left arm. Decker and Lt. Steven Bauer (now a captain) got Gunther to an ambulance. The married father of two was rushed to Vassar Brothers Medical Center. The firefighter’s condition worsened and he was removed from life support the next day, dying from cardiac issues. His death was considered a line of duty death, or LODD.
25-year-old Tess Camryn Gunther, the firefighter’s youngest daughter told Mid Hudson News “As a family, we would like to send or thanks and appreciation to the city, the govern, and all who made it possible to rename this road. A special thank you to Paul Bucher (PFD Lieutenant) for all of his efforts to make this happen.” Speaking of her heroic father, Ms. Gunther added “My father was a man who never needed praises for the amazing things he did, but he was definitely someone who deserved them. The renaming of this road is a lovely tribute to his memory and reminder of his ultimate sacrifice to the City of Poughkeepsie.”
“Tim Gunther was a hero in every sense of the word and naming the road in his honor will help ensure his legacy of selfless service will live on for generations to come. May we never forget his commitment to our community, his profession, and most importantly his family, who he loved more than anything,” said Serino.
“Renaming Church Street is one way the Poughkeepsie community will ensure that his legacy lives on and continues to inspire both residents and visitors alike,” said Jacobson, who noted that in 2015, Gunther was posthumously awarded the state’s highest honor for his service, the Liberty Medal.
“The governor and the state legislature are to be commended for recognizing the sacrifice that Firefighter Gunther made on that fateful day in 2015. The city lost a hero. Our collective thoughts go out to Tim’s family and this should serve as a reminder to all of the risks that our Poughkeepsie firefighters take every day to keep the city safe,” said Mayor Rob Rolison.
Retired Deputy Chief Ed Decker called the action in Albany “great news,” saying “Tim’s name and memory will live forever with this memorial.” The professional firefighters in Poughkeepsie are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 596 President Nick Bucher was pleased to hear of Cuomo’s signature on the bill. “Memorializing Timbo with the renaming of the Eastbound Arterial is an incredible tribute to an amazing person. We are also very grateful to the Gunther family for their support of this bill.” Bucher, speaking for all of the Poughkeepsie firefighters, said “Tim was a great firefighter and an even better person. With everything he gave to our city, we are thrilled to see him remembered by the community. “
