Lake-Sumter Fire Chiefs’ Association

Hundreds turn out for memorial service for District Public Safety Department Firefighter/EMT John Brucker

By KATIE BACKMAN, DAILY SUN THE VILLAGES — Son, friend, brother, father, firefighter, hero and “the one.” Those were terms of endearment and esteem his loved ones and colleagues used to eulogize John Brucker.

Brucker’s bunker coat draped over his boots and surmounted by his helmet paid silent and eloquent tribute to the 37-year-old firefighter’s life at his memorial service Thursday at Church on the Square. His well-used gear reflected Brucker’s strength, courage, integrity and passion that those he leaves behind say they will forever carry with them.

Brucker, a firefighter and EMT with the District Public Safety Department, was involved in a vehicle crash May 26 at Gray’s Airport Road and Eagles Nest Road in Fruitland Park. He died from his injuries at Orlando Regional Medical Center on Saturday, June 12.

As James Brucker, the proud and grieving father, strode to the podium, he stopped briefly to pat his son’s helmet. His son was most content spending time with his family, cooking, fishing, being a firefighter and finding new adventures in life, James Brucker said. His son’s warm smile made making friends second nature, he said. “He always had a smile on his face and he would do anything for you. Remember, he still will, he’s just in a different place right now,” James Brucker said, as his voice faltered and he wiped away tears. “You can talk to him anytime you want, he’ll always listen.”

Kristin Coleman, Brucker’s fiancée, said the love of her life taught her how a man loves and respects a woman. Brucker was a wonderful father who taught his daughter strength and respect, she said. Coleman said she feels eternally blessed for sharing the time she had with Brucker. To the firefighters sitting in the pews who represented more than 15 emergency service agencies throughout the state, Coleman said that when she looks at them she thinks of her fiancé. “All I can ask is that every time that alarm goes off, take a little piece of John with you,” Coleman said. “He’d want to go with you, and he’d want to go fast.”

District Public Safety Department Fire Chief Mike Tucker said the department “family” will remember Brucker as a courageous firefighter and a chef of renown. When crews cleaned out Brucker’s locker, they filled about three large totes with spices, knives, cutting boards and other utensils, he said. Cooking was a way Brucker showed his appreciation for his fellow firefighters, Tucker said.

Brucker was more than a firefighter, he was a teacher, Tucker said. He taught people he knew how to live, love and how to be a man, he said. The fire chief encouraged those assembled to take a lesson from Brucker’s life and live their lives to the fullest. “We will never be the same because John is gone from us, but I can emphatically say that we will never be the same because John was among us,” Tucker said.

The congregation fell silent as an emergency dispatch tone echoed throughout the church and sounded on all Lake County emergency radio frequencies. Catherine McNew, lead dispatcher for Lake-Sumter EMS, hesitantly requested the ceremonial final call for Brucker. McNew paged Brucker three times by saying “Lake to Firefighter John Brucker.” The page went unanswered. “It is with deep regrets that we announce the passing of Firefighter John Grady Brucker, a veteran of The Villages Department of Public Safety. Roll call has been taken, and Firefighter Brucker has failed to answer. The bell has been struck for his last alarm. “May the sun shine upon his path, may the wind always be at his back, and may the Lord hold him in the palm of his hand until we meet again. Dispatch clear at 1237 hours,” McNew said.

Katie Backman is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9264, or katie.backman@thevillagesmedia.com

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