Colmar Fire Company mourning loss
State flags to fly at half-staff to honor Edward ‘Gary’ Minnick
A local fire company is mourning the loss of a longtime member, and flags are at half-staff across the state in his memory.
COLMAR » A local fire company is mourning the loss of a longtime member, and flags are at half-staff across the state in his memory.
Longtime Colmar Fire Company firefighter Edward “Gary” Minnick passed away in the line of duty on Oct. 1 at age 65.
“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 fire company said in a statement. “Please keep the family in your thoughts. Rest easy our friend, we’ve got it from here.”
According to an obituary from Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home in Lansdale, Minnick was “a devoted member” of the fire company for 18 years, and had previously been a volunteer firefighter in Warminster. Minnick was also sworn in as a Colmar fire police officer in 2019, according to MediaNews Group archives.
“His commitment to the community was also evident by his job as a crossing guard for Lansdale Borough where he loved to interact with the students as they walked to school,” the obituary said.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s office announced Tuesday that the commonwealth flag will be flown at half-staff on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds in Montgomery County in honor of Minnick’s passing, until sunset on Oct. 7, the day of Minnick’s funeral.
According to reporting from North Penn Now, a source indicated that Minnick passed away at a fire company garage. Fire company officials had not replied, as of Tuesday afternoon, to a request for information on Minnick’s passing or any ways the public or community can support his family.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, a drive-through service will be held for Minnick at Huff and Lakjer, located at Cannon and Derstine Avenues in Lansdale, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 7, with a small service to be held at 11.
Following the service, there will be a procession from the funeral home, past the fire company’s station in Hatfield, then returning to the funeral home — “giving Gary one last ride past the station,” according to the fire company.
In statements posted after Minnick’s passing, Hatfield Township noted that “the Hatfield community lost a dedicated and brave public servant,” and the Hatfield police department said “Gary will be missed by many and he will remain loved by all.”
“The officers of the Hatfield Police Department are thankful for all of his work throughout the years. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. A life well lived and a life well served. Thank you, Gary,” the department said.