POUGHKEEPSIE – The life and legacy of fallen Poughkeepsie firefighter Tim “Timbo” Gunther was shining once again on Monday as Gunther’s family, coworkers, and friends joined for the eighth annual Tim Gunther Memorial Golf Tournament. Gunther was killed in the line of duty in 2015. The account of Gunther’s tragic death and the legacy that continues can be found here.
Dozens of golfers took to the McCann Golf Course in Poughkeepsie on Monday joining Gunther’s widow and children to play in the tournament organized by the IAFF Local 596 Poughkeepsie firefighters, of which Timbo, an avid golfer, was a member for 21 years.
Half of the proceeds from Monday’s tournament are donated to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, which provides support to the families of firefighting heroes who are killed in the line of duty, according to IAFF Local 596 President Nick Bucher. The union president was unable to play in the memorial due to an injury sustained recently while rescuing four teens who thought swimming in a storm-swollen creek was safe. It was not, according to the injured firefighter/rescue swimmer.
“Timbo was a respected member of our department who paid the ultimate price while serving the city. This tournament brings together many of his family and friends to share memories while also helping the union raise funds that we use for other charitable events,” Bucher exclaimed. His sentiments were echoed throughout the day as many of the golfing firefighters recalled memories of Timbo and his cartoon-like mustache. Many of his colleagues, including Poughkeepsie Fire Captain Stephen Sutka recalled many members calling Gunther “The Lorax” because of the mustache-wearing Dr. Seuss character.
