Community remembers firefighter, who died while on duty
MONTGOMERY CO., Md. (ABC7) — Flags flew at half-staff, as kinds words poured in from fire stations across the country.
Charles “Rick” Gentilcore was found unresponsive around 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the Burtsonville Fire Station 15, while he was on duty.
The 52-year-old’s cause of death has not been determined.
“Nothing is suspicious, said MCFRS Fire Chief Scott Goldstein. “When the emergency is one of our own, it is something that is tough.”
Back at Station 15, a table was covered with flowers and cards in honor of Gentilcore. The helmet he wore for years, rested between flowers.
He wore his uniform proudly as a volunteer firefighter for 11 years and then a career fire fighter rescuer for 12 years.
Gentilcore was responsible for a lot of heavy apparatus at Station 15. He also drove the station’s ambulance.
“There (were) many many calls and many many lives that Rick impacted as a responder,” said Goldstein.
Gentilcore’s name remains on an assignment board at Station 15, as a reminder that he will continue to ride with his brothers and sisters.
To read more about Gentilcore, click here.
He leaves behind a wife and a son.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
