POUGHKEEPSIE – City firefighter Tim “Timbo” Gunther died in the line of duty after rescuing a person from a fire on Church Street in the City of Poughkeepsie in 2015. Gunther’s heroism was honored on Monday when both the east and westbound arterials in the city(Routes 44/55) were dedicated as “Firefighter Tim Gunther Memorial Highway“.
The Poughkeepsie firefighters, members of IAFF Local 596, worked with Gunther’s family and state lawmakers to have both thoroughfares renamed after their fallen co-worker.
Union President Nick Bucher credited State Senator Sue Serino and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson with getting the required legislation through the chambers and ultimately signed by Governor Cuomo in November. “Tim was a hero in every sense of the word. Thanks to help from Senator Serino and Assemblyman Jacobson, Timbo’s name will live on in the city he died for.”
At a brief ceremony on Monday afternoon, both on- and off-duty firefighters stood with Gunther’s widow Christine, city police officers, and others, as Mayor Rob Rolison spoke of Gunther’s heroism and ultimate sacrifice. “These are things that you don’t plan for and hope you never have to do, but when you lose someone in the line of duty, as we did with Tim, it’s a privilege to honor a hero,” said Rolison.
With one sign on the eastbound arterial and another on the westbound side at the line separating the town and city, Rolison said, “The arterials have long been considered the roads that divided this city – in some small way, naming both sides in honor of Tim, reunites the city.”
Serino had planned to attend the dedication but was called back to Albany to discuss COVID-related eviction legislation. Earlier in the day, Serino told Mid-Hudson News, “Our community lost a true hero when we lost Tim, but his legacy of service and his selfless commitment to our community lives on. The Firefighter Tim Gunther Memorial Highway is just one way we can continue to honor a neighbor.”
Jacobson echoed Serino’s sentiments, saying “Tim Gunther died as a result of his heroic actions. This dedication is a tribute to a man that gave his life for the City of Poughkeepsie.”
Gunther’s widow Christine was aided by city firefighters in the unveiling of the sign on the eastbound arterial (Church Street) that honors her late husband.
