Fire Chief Honored By Large Response in Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — Firefighters from all over Ocean County and residents of the community turned out on Monday to pay respects to Brian Flanagan, the chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company who was killed in a hit-and-run on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Traffic was heavy on Ridgeway Road in the area of Oliverie Funeral Home on Monday during the funeral for Flanagan, 47, who died Oct. 13. A line of those waiting to pay respects wrapped around the building, a witness told Patch.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Flanagan's wife of 20 years, Danielle, and the couple's two children.

"He meant so much to his family, friends, and this community," wrote Nicole Rekus, a family friend who started the GoFundMe. "His loss is being felt deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. So many members of the community asked for a way to show their love and support. Any help given here will be used for Brian’s family in the days and years ahead."

The Manchester Township School District was planning to pay tribute to Flanagan on Tuesday throughout the district.

"Please join us in wearing red on Tuesday, October 20, as we come together to honor the life and legacy of Chief Brian Flanagan of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company #1, Station 34," the district said. "Chief Flanagan's dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others exemplify the very best of our community. His service reminds us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the firefighters and first responders who work tirelessly to protect our families, schools, and neighbors. One District. One Community. United in Red."

Flanagan suffered fatal injuries when a GMC SUV drove into a construction zone at milepost 87.7 on the outer roadway southbound on the turnpike in Edison at 3:52 a.m. on Oct. 13, New Jersey State Police said. He was working for Traffic Lines Inc. in Farmingdale.

The construction zone was marked and two lanes were closed when Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison, drove into it. He left the scene and was later arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash with fatal injuries, authorities said. He told police he had been drinking alcohol before driving and getting into the crash, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Flanagan also owned his own septic business, Gotta Go Septic in Manchester for a few years, according to his obituary on the Oliverie Funeral Home website.

Multiple tributes have been posted honoring Flanagan, from other fire companies to Manchester Township officials.

"Throughout his years of service, Brian held multiple roles and dedicated much of his life to serving others," Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis said. "He was a true public servant whose commitment to his community and passion for helping those in need left a lasting impact on Manchester Township and beyond."

"Many of our police officers and emergency services personnel had the privilege of working alongside Brian for years, responding to emergencies and serving our community together," Ellis wrote. "His dedication, professionalism, and friendship will be remembered by those who had the honor of working with him."

"We are grateful for Brian's many years of dedicated service and the difference he made in the lives of so many," Ellis wrote.