Hero In Life & Death: Bayville Firefighter Celebrated For Lifesaving Organ Donations

BERKELEY, NJ — Brian Letrent was only 34 when he died suddenly on June 21, 2023. The Bayville firefighter and U.S. Army veteran had suffered a cardiac episode after firefighter training. As National Donor Day (Feb. 14) draws near, his family is making sure people know how his heroism extended past his death thanks to organ donation.

Letrent, a proud member of the Bayville Fire Department, trained officer with Ocean County HazMat and Army vet deployed to Iraq, dedicated his life to protecting others.

What his family didn't know at the time of Letrent's death is that he was a registered organ donor.

“I had no idea he was an organ and tissue donor until I got the call after he passed,” said his mother, Kathleen Whitley. “Of course, I honored his wishes. He was a hero in life—and continues to be one after life.”

Through donation, Letrent saved and enhanced multiple lives, including individuals with visual impairments, a woman battling breast cancer and a 5-year-old child in need of a bone marrow transplant.

“I’ve received letters from the recipients about how Brian’s donation changed their lives,” said Whitley. “They couldn’t be more thankful—and that means a lot to me.”

His commitment to service began early. He enlisted in the U.S. Army while still in high school and was deployed overseas before returning home to Bayville, where he built a career as a mechanic with the Berkeley Township Sewage Authority, earning a promotion shortly before his passing. Outside of work and firefighting, Brian was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, kayaking, quad riding and NASCAR racing.

Known among his fellow firefighters as one of the department’s top responders, Brian was also awarded the Medal of Gallantry for risking his life to rescue a missing person from a nearby creek.

Now, his family is honoring his legacy by advocating for organ and tissue donation through NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation in New Jersey.

“Since my son’s passing, everyone in our family has made sure their license says, ‘organ donor,’” said Whitley. “It’s amazing how much being a donor can change—and save—someone else’s life.”

National Donor Day, observed annually on Feb. 14, raises awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and celebrates the lifesaving generosity of donors and their families. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.

Community members are encouraged to honor the legacy of Brian Letrent and all donor heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors. To learn more and register as a donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.