Poughkeepsie Fire Dept. honors firefighter who died in the line of duty 6 years ago

The Poughkeepsie Fire Department and community are making sure that firefighter Timothy Gunther’s legacy lives on six years after his death.

News 12 Staff

May 5, 2021, 9:40 PM

Updated 1,250 days ago

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The Poughkeepsie Fire Department and community are making sure that firefighter Timothy Gunther’s legacy lives on six years after his death.
Timothy ‘Timbo’ Gunther continues to be remembered by the department he served for 21 years, along with the men he worked alongside.
“He was always doing something for others,” says Paul Butcher of Poughkeepsie Fire Department. “He was an excellent guy.”
Gunther left such a mark on the department that they listed his name on the truck he last rode on, as well as a spot dedicated to his gear.
Capt. Steve Bauer tells News 12 Gunther exemplified characteristics of a true hero.
“He put others above himself that day. It was just what Tim would do,” says Bauer. “He wouldn’t think twice about doing something like that.”
Gunther ran into a fire on May 4, 2015, to save someone. Unfortunately, the individual didn’t make it through and hours later, Gunther died from a cardiac arrest issue related to the call.
“We’re not a big job. There’s only 50, 60 guys top to bottom. There are 20 guys now that have never worked with Tim, so just keep his memory alive…and he’s never going to be forgotten,” says firefighter Paul Bucher.
Zeus Brewing Company released a commemorative beer in Gunther’s honor.
Zeus Brewing Company representative Jeremy Phillips was looking for a way to honor the fallen firefighter. “I want to celebrate the fact and say thank you for what they do, day in and day out that we probably take for granted. Many of us do.”
News 12 is told a portion of all proceeds will be going to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Gunther’s honor.
In early 2021, a portion of route 44/55 in Poughkeepsie was also dedicated to him.