Former Bayonne Fire Chief John T. Brennan
December 19, 2008 - Former Bayonne Fire Chief John T. Brennan - Chief Gregory Rogers of the Bayonne Fire Department announced that former Fire Chief John T. Brennan died Friday at his home in Bayonne. He was 86. Rogers said, "Chief Brennan was an outstanding leader of the Bayonne Fire Department, which he led for more than 27 years. Under his leadership, the department modernized its equipment and facilities, and added an emphasis on fire prevention to firefighter training. Chief Brennan also oversaw the transfer of fire headquarters from the old police and fire building at 26th Street and Avenue C to the Municipal Building, which was constructed in 1971-72. He had a deep, positive, and lasting effect on our community. I had the distinct privilege of serving under him during my early years as a firefighter. On behalf of the Bayonne Fire Department, I would like to
extend condolences to the Brennan family."
Mayor Mark Smith said, "Chief Brennan was an outstanding public safety professional who served this community with distinction for nearly 45 years. He was a strong, courageous man who embodied the best traditions of the firefighting profession. His name will live on in the Bayonne Fire Department and in the Chief John T. Brennan Fire Museum. I would like to offer the community's condolences to his family."
John T. Brennan was born in Bayonne in 1922. His parents were Irish immigrants from County Mayo. The future chief was educated at St. Vincent DePaul Grammar School and Bayonne Technical High School. He joined the Bayonne Fire Department in 1943, and became one of the youngest fire captains ever in 1949. Brennan became acting deputy chief in 1952 and deputy chief in 1953. He was appointed chief in October 1960 after achieving the highest score on the civil service test. At age 38, Brennan was the youngest chief in the department's history.
Two months after becoming Fire Chief, Brennan responded to the scene of explosions at a propane storage plant and refilling station at Sun Gas Products Corporation. An 18,000-gallon propane tank was feeding the fire. The tank had to be shut off, but the tank was inside a ring of flames. Chief Brennan challenged the flames. While he ran through it, his fellow firefighters watered him down with high-powered hoses. He crawled under the tank and shut off the valve. Within ten minutes, the fire was under control, and a large, destructive explosion was prevented. For his bravery, Chief Brennan was praised in the Congressional Record. He also received a letter of citation for bravery from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. During his leadership of the department, Chief Brennan made training a continuing aspect of firefighters' careers. Previously, training was limited to new recruits. Chief Brennan also instituted fire education programs at Bayonne Hospital and at various local industries. Throughout his career, Chief Brennan took numerous firefighting, labor, and civil service courses around the United States.
John T. Brennan continued to serve as Fire Chief until his retirement in 1988.
Chief Brennan was a lifelong member of St. Vincent's Parish. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the New Jersey State Fire Prevention Association, the New Jersey State Paid Fire Chiefs Association, the Hudson County Fire Chiefs, the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen, the New Jersey State Fireman's Relief Association, the Bayonne Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association, and the 3rd and 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus.
***Funeral from O'Brien Funeral Home (47th Street & Ave. C, Bayonne) 10 AM Tuesday, Funeral mass 11 AM at St. Vincent's Church (across thre street from the funeral home.) Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, No. Arlington***
Read Moreextend condolences to the Brennan family."
Mayor Mark Smith said, "Chief Brennan was an outstanding public safety professional who served this community with distinction for nearly 45 years. He was a strong, courageous man who embodied the best traditions of the firefighting profession. His name will live on in the Bayonne Fire Department and in the Chief John T. Brennan Fire Museum. I would like to offer the community's condolences to his family."
John T. Brennan was born in Bayonne in 1922. His parents were Irish immigrants from County Mayo. The future chief was educated at St. Vincent DePaul Grammar School and Bayonne Technical High School. He joined the Bayonne Fire Department in 1943, and became one of the youngest fire captains ever in 1949. Brennan became acting deputy chief in 1952 and deputy chief in 1953. He was appointed chief in October 1960 after achieving the highest score on the civil service test. At age 38, Brennan was the youngest chief in the department's history.
Two months after becoming Fire Chief, Brennan responded to the scene of explosions at a propane storage plant and refilling station at Sun Gas Products Corporation. An 18,000-gallon propane tank was feeding the fire. The tank had to be shut off, but the tank was inside a ring of flames. Chief Brennan challenged the flames. While he ran through it, his fellow firefighters watered him down with high-powered hoses. He crawled under the tank and shut off the valve. Within ten minutes, the fire was under control, and a large, destructive explosion was prevented. For his bravery, Chief Brennan was praised in the Congressional Record. He also received a letter of citation for bravery from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. During his leadership of the department, Chief Brennan made training a continuing aspect of firefighters' careers. Previously, training was limited to new recruits. Chief Brennan also instituted fire education programs at Bayonne Hospital and at various local industries. Throughout his career, Chief Brennan took numerous firefighting, labor, and civil service courses around the United States.
John T. Brennan continued to serve as Fire Chief until his retirement in 1988.
Chief Brennan was a lifelong member of St. Vincent's Parish. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the New Jersey State Fire Prevention Association, the New Jersey State Paid Fire Chiefs Association, the Hudson County Fire Chiefs, the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen, the New Jersey State Fireman's Relief Association, the Bayonne Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association, and the 3rd and 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus.
***Funeral from O'Brien Funeral Home (47th Street & Ave. C, Bayonne) 10 AM Tuesday, Funeral mass 11 AM at St. Vincent's Church (across thre street from the funeral home.) Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, No. Arlington***
