Painful Loss to the BVFD Family

To My BVFD Brothers and Sisters:

A beloved friend, BVFD Life Member, and distinguished Fireman has died, leaving so very many of us heartbroken and grieving.

Firefighter Timothy M. Fuentes died on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.  We have consciously held off on sharing this painful news, to support Barb, Jared and Hayley as they work to process such an inconceivable loss.  Tim's BVFD family is working with Tim's family on how best to pay tribute and honor this remarkable and beloved man.

Tim joined our fire department family on September 6, 1994.  He was, by all accounts, a genuine Fireman who loved riding and driving our Rescue Squad.  His love for serving others, his dedication to learning, and his robust spirit drew Members to him.  He held the rare and coveted rank of "Technician" based upon his proven skillset.  In 2009, Tim achieved Life Membership, having responded to thousands of emergency calls from our community. Unrelenting chronic injuries kept Tim off of fire apparatus at that point, but did not keep him from supporting his Department.  Those who had the privilege of riding with him, learning from him, working the carnivals with him, or simply sharing life with him know just how much the world dimmed on Tuesday.

Tim was the "real deal" as a fireman and as a family man.  His love for the fire service was undeniable, but it paled in comparison to his unconditional love of his family and extended family.

Many of us had the pleasure of watching Jared and Hayley grow up during Tim's service with the BVFD.  He loved his beautiful wife Barbara and never missed a chance to share stories of family achievements, events, and shenanigans.  Tim was an exceptional storyteller, which made him an excellent trainer as well.  So many new Members got to learn from Tim's investment in training and sharing his experiences. 

I can offer no magical words to soften this blow.  But, I can tell you these things... Tim stood with us as we said "goodbye" to far too many friends over the years.  He suffered too many personal losses and we tried to always stand by him.  Through it all, he held us close, he hugged us tight, he flashed that beautiful Tim smile.  He exemplified what it meant to be a fireman and a friend.  He raised a beautiful family.  We are so much better, for having shared the past 25+ years with Tim.

Now, we will stand by Tim's family and honor his legacy of service.   Arrangements are being finalized for Friday, March 19, 2021 at Donaldson's Funeral Home in Clarksville.  A full Fire Department Memorial Service will be conducted.  All appropriate COVID precautions will be followed.  I will share more details on the services, which will accommodate up to 50 people at a time.  We will continue to monitor family needs and stand ready to assist in any way possible.  We will support one another, in all the ways Tim taught us to be present and caring.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or Chaplain Christine (HP) Dunn, as needed.  We will be draping the Fire House this evening, with black bunting, and taking other customary steps to show our respect.  

A life of serving others that will be remembered by all who served with him.

For COVID-19 Information and resources, visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19