Pantagraph.com | News | Firefighters hurt battling Forrest house fire

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

resident of blm wrote on Jul 27, 2008 11:44 PM:

" I would like to take a moment to thank Brian Munz for giving the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is truly a sad day when a firefighter loses his/her life while working to protect and save the lives and property of those that they probably do not even know. It is with my deepest gratitude that I send my condolences to the family and brother firefighters of Brian Munz. "

dubsmc wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:10 AM:

" I will never forget your sacrafice. And know that you will always be there watching over the ones left behind. You are a true hero and will be missed by those that had the honor of knowing you. "

just getting by wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:01 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers are with all families involved. "

fireman1 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:00 PM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to a fellow brothers family!!! You gave the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget what you did. Please watch out for us when the tones go off next!

The Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;

Please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

Author Unknown "

firefightersgal72 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:16 PM:

" I am Sorry to hear of the LOSS of Brian. My heart goes out to his Family and Friends. Brian died doing what he loved and that was Protecting his Hometown Family and Friends. Brian will "NEVER" be forgotten. Also the Somers home as well, I am very glad they were all okay. My Boyfriend is on Danvers Volunteer Fire Department and ever time I hear those sirens go off and when he arrives home to me I am Thankful to see him, because you just never know when it might be there last call. God Bless and Rest In Peace my Friend. "

davidallen81 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:14 PM:

" i had the great pleasure of having munzy as a friend and i am truley blessed to have known him. when i heard the news i was in shock and still am. but i think what till get me threw is that i know god has a bigger plan for him and this was his time as hard as that is to admit it. i will miss him everyday and remember him with greatness.

dirty dave "

Silver Fox wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:24 PM:

" As former fairbury residents and friends with Munzy, our thoughts and prayers our with you. May God give you peace in your time of loss. Ryan and Becky "

eadems212 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:19 PM:

" As a fellow volunteer firefighter my heart goes out to the Munz Family. May he rest in peace! "

volunteer21 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Brother,
God has a special place for you.
You have done your time in the pits of hell,
you shall now walk beside him, to watch, and protect all whom loved you, and him.
You did what you wanted to do, what most people take for granted, but as one of your brothers I thank you for all you did.

We love you, and shall miss you dearly. "

jk83 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:31 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family as well and yes, he is a hero, but let's also not forget that the other firefighters ar heroes as well. "

Brownie78 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:05 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to this victims family and also to all the other firefighters on the scene, especially the one from CFD that pulled him from the rebel. My heart goes out to everyone involved. Also thinking of the Somers family whose house burnt. "

erica s. wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:08 PM:

" I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian. My 23 year old fiance is a volunteer firefighter for Downs, and he is just in disbelief. It hurts to know that someone so young, and around our age, has his life ended in such tradgedy. The one think I can say is that he is a true HERO! As I sit here and write this, it makes me want to cry. I don't know Brian, but I am sure he was an amazing person. Hold your heads up high, and my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Brian ~ RIP! "

bubbamacs wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:26 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go to all the firefighters and to the familes of them. My thoughts also go out to Brian's family he will be greatly missed. A TRUE HERO "

racer1 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:03 PM:

" My thoughts & prayers go to the Munz family. I met Brian one night about a year ago and I never forgot about him. I watched him every weekend at the Fairbury race track. He was always one of the first ones to a fire. He was a true hero & will never be forgotten.

Rest In Peace my friend "

1casson wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Brian was my high school classmate and a terrific guy. We were on the same dairy judging team and went to Europe together. It was there that I really got to know a lot about him - our team had such a great time together on that trip. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. My prayers are with the entire Munz family as well as his fellow firefighters and all his friends. "

Lurg86 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:59 PM:

" It takes a special type of person to rush into a burning building to save someones' life or property. So often I hear the fire engines down the street from my house and I am sorry to say often lose sight of what these brave men and women do every single day. Unfortunately it takes a tragedy such as this one to put things back into perspective and it makes me realize and appreciate the work these folks do without question nor complaint. God Bless each and everyone of you brave souls. "

world gone crazy wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:58 PM:

" blessed are the ones that are willing to lay down their lives for their brothers
God bless the families involved in this horrible accident

Amen "

hedgeapple3 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:48 PM:

" How ironic that on a day where Bill Flick made fun of firefighters for just sitting around one of our local firemen perishes. Thoughts and prayers to the family. "

grace87 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:20 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to the Munz family. Brian was truly a hero. Times like this make me cherish my father who is a fireman and was also at the fire last night. Munzy, you will never be forgottan for your bravery.

The Somers family is also in my prayers.

God Bless. "

cfpdls wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:10 PM:

" "Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another" George Eliot
We will never forget...... "

farmingtonfire wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:04 PM:

" Rest in Peace fellow Fireman. You are and always will be in the thoughts and prayers of Fireman everywhere.
Sincere condolence's from the Firemen at the Farmington Fire Department. "

mommyof1 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:29 AM:

" To all of the firefighters in Fairbury and to his family..........I am so sorry about what happen to your fellow firefighter.It is very sad he had to go this way nobody needs to go that way at all.When I heard about it early this morning I was crying because I thought it was my brother.He is on firedepartment for Fairbury .But then I got on here and found out it was another firefighter it still made me sad when it happened.It is hard when you lose a child to anything.But he was doing what he loved like everybody said in the other comments.My prayers and thoughts go out to all of the town of Fairbury and to his family and friends and to the firefighters too.You all stay safe when fighting those fires ok?Keep up all the hard work you all do.I dont live in Fairbury but I growup around there.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

jipsi wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:20 AM:

" to cfpdemti:

The lovely poem/memorial you shared is called "May They Not Be Forgotten", and is by a retired FDNY Firefighter, James McNulty.
I just wanted to help keep this beautiful piece from 'losing' its author, as it has increasingly begun showing up as 'author unknown'...
A copy can be seen at "memorial.fire-hero.com/forgotten.html"

Peace and Condolences to the friends, family and firefighter brothers in their immeasurable loss.... "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Rest In Peace "

pewla2 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:56 AM:

" My heart goes out to the family of this brave firefighter. "

kb wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:36 AM:

" As a member of this man's family, I truly want to thank each and every one of you for your posts. He loved what he did, and he would be honored to hear the things all of you have to say about him. There are no words for what we feel right now, but we are blessed to live in a community who is here to support us and lift us up in this great time of sorrow.

Hold your loved ones close tonight, and say a prayer for us. Thank you. "

ash01 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Words cannont express how much we will all miss him. He was courageous and determined. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Please keep us strong as I'm sure he would have wanted that.
Lord, as we mourn the sudden tragic death of a loved one, please show us the Immense power of your goodness and strengthen our belief that he has entered in to your presence. Amen. "

Momof2 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:32 AM:

" The firefighter who died was truly a wonderful man; he died in the line of duty, and he died doing what he loved. None of us here in Fairbury will ever forget him--he was a true hero! "

cifool wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:29 AM:

" "Greater Love has no man than this, than to lay down one's life for a friend"

Rest in Peace Brother "

New Nana wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:21 AM:

" thoughts and Prayers for this fireman's Family and to the Firemen who are left behind to grieve.

thoughts and Prayers also for the inuured Firefighter. "

zs wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Rest in peace, brother. :( See you on the other side. "

luckedee83 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:04 AM:

" He was an awesome person. For 5 years, I was like his sister - does this shirt look okay? what should I say to her? What do you think about this or that. Then we drifted apart but I never forgot him. Now I cant forget him. He loved what he did. Firefighting was a passion of his and he drank it in. He was loved and will never be forgotten. I love you buddy & I'll see you when I get there. "

Hary wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:56 AM:

" To all the hillbillies I know, and to those of you I don't. Fighting fires is glamorous, but dangerous. You fight hard to keep our precious memories from going up in flames. But I would rather have only memories or lose the memories of some lifelong inanimate belonging, and/or my home, than to have only memories of friends and family. You are truly all heroes for what you do, and even greater heroes when you go home to your friends and families after the fires. Great Fireman you will be missed. My sympathetic filled heart goes out to his family. We love you. Rest In Peace. "

jm2 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:51 AM:

" This young man will always be remembered as a true hero. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and to every firefighter, God Bless you All. "

cfpdemti wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Brother when you weep for me
Remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know that I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As fireman we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through

Author Unknown "

prettyinpink wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:24 AM:

" First of all, what a heroic act to be a firefighter. To the family of the person who lost their life in this fire, may God bless you with all the support and guidance that you need and will need in the future. To the Somers family, what a blessing that every one of your children and yourselves escaped this fire, and I am so sorry to hear about your house and belongings, but life is more precious than you'll ever know. "

shocker4782 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Thoughts and prayers to his entire family and that of all the firefighters effected by this tragedy.

May this true hero rest in peace. "

Fire12 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:18 AM:

" R.I.P , to the brave soul who gave his life in the line of duty.

Fireman's Prayer

"When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage;
Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be it's age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late;
Or save an older person from the horrors of that fate.
Enable me to be alert, and to hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me;
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to your will I am to give my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand,
My children and my wife." "

fire12 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:13 AM:

" i have been a fireman in the area for about 5 years now, to see this is a great tradgity, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family friends and the department, losing a brother is never easy build strength in this time of need,
god bless "

Mark1096 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Remember we shall never stop, never weary and never give in..Good night, then; sleep to gather strength for the morning. For the mornig will come, Brightly will it shine on the brave and true, kindly upon all who suffer for the cause, glorious upon the tombs of heros. W. Churchill All my thoughts to family and friends..heros "

mommy4 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:33 AM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to this victims family and also to all the other firefighters on the scene, especially the one from CFD that pulled him from the rebel. As a fire wife, something like this is never easy to hear. My heart goes out to everyone involved. Also thinking of the Somers family whose house burnt.

Vounteer fire departsments never get the praise they deserve. These men and women are not worried about the pay they will receive from a fire as they all have other full time jobs, they are more concerned about doing what they love and that shows true dedication. "

fairbury resident wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:14 AM:

" God bless this firefighter and his family. He is truly a hero. "

clintonILfire wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:06 AM:

" Our condolences go out to the family and to the firefighters, God bless you all. "

melbrent2001 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:02 AM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to the Family of the Firefighter and to his brothers/sisters in the fire dept. "

me2008 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:46 AM:

" so sorry to hear of this tragedy. prayers for the family of all involved in this. "

cats55ire wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:12 AM:

" How very sad!!! Thoughts and prayers to his family!!! Take care! "

browsing wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:58 AM:

" Our thoughts and prayers are with all families involved. May God hold you close and comfort you. "

4mama wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:28 AM:

" God bless him. "

adeputy wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:27 AM:

" As a former firefighter and now a deputy in Los Angeles, I am always saddened to hear of a tragedies such as this. I know it does not lessen the the sorrow, but I am sure he was doing what he loved and will always be remembered as a hero for making the ultimate sacrifice while helping others. I was born in Fairbury and lived in Chenoa where my uncle was also firefighter, so my roots are small town. I would like to make a contribution to his family if someone could provide some additional information. Watch over and protect us now brother. You are in my thoughts and your family in my prayers. "

truthiness wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:08 AM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and department.

Rest in peace, brother. "

firefighter-wife wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:01 AM:

" Our thoughts and prayers are with the family right now, he was a true hero. He will never be forgotten. "

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