Firefighters respond to 4th alarm on brewery rooftop

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
A framed remembrance of Gunther greeted everyone who walked onto the roof.
PK’s Bravest 4th alarm beer.

POUGHKEEPSIE – City firefighter Tim “Timbo” Gunther died in the line of duty after fighting a fire in Poughkeepsie in May 2015.  On Friday, the collaboration between Timbo’s union, IAFF Local 596, and Zeus Brewing of Poughkeepsie paid tribute to the fallen firefighter.  A recap of Gunther’s death can be found here.

On Friday, the anniversary of Timbo’s death, on-duty and off-duty Poughkeepsie firefighters, along with retired members, family members, and Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers gathered in the apparatus bays of the Public Safety Building to pay their respects to Timbo.  Lieutenant Paul Bucher recalled Gunther’s Lorax-style mustache, and his passion for helping others, and shared a few memories before Poughkeepsie Fire Chief Joe Franco spoke.

The chief stressed the importance of keeping Timbo’s legacy alive.  “Many of our newer guys didn’t know Tim,” he said. “Every member of this department needs to know who he was and the memories and the history needs to be passed down from senior members to the new guys.”  He jokingly said “the firefighters working under Chief Jake Lawlor should know about Tim.”  Lawlor, known as “Discount Jake,” is a relatively new firefighter, but is rapidly becoming a senior member due to the wave of senior men retiring.  The firefighters chuckled at the thought of 27-year-old Lawlor becoming chief.

Union Vice-president Brian Ineson told Mid-Hudson News, “Timbo’s legacy needs to remain with us.  He was such a larger-than-life character and those of us that worked with him talk about him almost every day.”

In recent years, the union representing Poughkeepsie’s professional firefighters has teamed with Jeremy Phillips and Zeus Brewing of Poughkeepsie to craft a limited-edition beer in Timbo’s honor.  According to Phillips, a portion of the proceeds is sent to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in honor of the 21-year veteran firefighter, Timbo Gunther.

On May 5th, firefighters from several local departments gathered on the rooftop of Zeus for an early release of the “PK’S Bravest 4th Alarm,” a Munich-style Helles lager brewed by Justin Sturges at Zeus.  Phillips said they have brewed 15 barrels and 80 cases of the limited edition.  The beer can be purchased at Zeus.  Several other establishments are also making them available for purchase.

IAFF President Nick Bucher said, “Jeremy and Zeus have been with us since day one and every year they have produced a beer that would have certainly garnered Timbo’s approval.”  With professional firefighters from neighboring departments gathered for the release, Bucher added “The firefighter brotherhood has stood together and become even stronger with Timbo’s passing.  Our brothers and sisters have supported us at every turn and it’s really special.”

Phillips said sharing the proceeds with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation didn’t require much thought.  “Timbo is a hero that gave his life to save others and never hesitated.  If we can work with the Poughkeepsie firefighters to provide funds to help the families of other fallen firefighters, we will be there without hesitation.”  Bucher praised the support of Zeus, saying “The owners and staff of Zeus have been our rock and their dedication to Timbo’s memory is nothing short of amazing.  Our firefighters can’t begin to express our thanks to the people at Zeus.”

The limited-edition beer has historically sold out within days.  To inquire about availability, contact Zeus at 845-320-4560.




Popular Stories