Flags At Half-Staff For Colmar Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty

COLMAR, PA — Local residents were joined by mourners from across the state Wednesday morning in remembering the life of a Montgomery County firefighter and community volunteer who died in the line of duty.

Edward "Gary" Minnick, who served with the Colmar Volunteer Fire Company, died while serving on Oct. 1. He was 65.

Gov. Wolf ordered flags to fly half-staff across all state facilities, public buildings, and public grounds in Montgomery County until sunset on Wednesday. "All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute," the governor's office stated.

"There are few words that we have now to express the loss that we all have suffered not only personally but as a department and community," the Colmar Volunteer Fire Company said in a statement.

Minnick served with Colmar for 18 years, according to his obituary. His career of volunteerism and selflessness extended to both Warminster, where he was previously a fireman, and Lansdale, where he was a crossing guard.

A drive-thru funeral service was held Wednesday morning at Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home in Lansdale.

Following the service, a procession of mourners and several local fire departments rode through town before returning to the funeral home, "giving Gary one last ride past the station."

"I was honored to have been able to pay my respects to such dedicated member of the fire company," State Rep. Steve Malagari said Wednesday morning. "With this being fire prevention week, this is a somber reminder of the risk our firefighters put themselves at to keep us safe."

"Gary was a loving, devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who enjoyed spending time with his family," his obituary reads. "Not only was he committed to his loved ones, but also to the community. "

First responders from around the area also reached out to express their condolences and honor Minnick's life.

"The Officers and Members of the Lower Providence Fire Department send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Family of Firefighter Edward “Gary” Minnick on his sudden and untimely passing. To the members of the Colmar Volunteer Fire Company we extend our sincere condolences on the tragic Line of Duty Death you have endured; and we offer our unrelenting support to you during this difficult time for your organization and community service family."

The family asks that instead of flowers, contributions be made to the Colmar Volunteer Fire Company, 2770 W. Walnut St., Colmar, PA 18915.