GoFundMe created for daughter of fallen firefighter

Firefighters, friends and relatives are donating to a GoFundMe fundraiser for the daughter of the late Madison Heights Fire Capt. Jeffrey Brozich.

Brozich’s fellow firefighters found him dead of a heart attack inside the fire hall March 1 as they got ready to respond to a 911 call.

The GoFundMe page was set up for Brozich’s daughter, Brianna, 16, by her uncle, Madison Heights police Sgt. Craig White.

“Brianna’s dad would want her to be taken care of,” White wrote on the GoFundMe page, adding that she is an exceptional student who wants to go to college and become a nurse practitioner.

“While Brianna’s mother continues to fight cancer, I am going to handle all of Brianna’s financial affairs,” White said in his posting.

The Macomb Township man’s death at age 57 was unexpected.

“Her family is not financially prepared to provide Brianna with all the necessities she will encounter throughout the next several years,” White said. “We relied on Jeff (Brozich), his guidance and support to help get Brianna the direction and support she will need in preparation for her life ahead.”

The fundraiser was started a few days ago and seeks to raise $25,000.

Brozich was a 20-year veteran of the Madison Heights Fire Department. His death led Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to order all U.S. and Michigan flags at state facilities to be lowered at half-staff last Friday in honor of the fallen firefighter.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line each and every shift, and the entire state is grateful for Jeffrey’s dedication and service,” Whitmer said in a statement.

Madison Heights Fire Marshal Paul Biliti, a close friend of Brozich, said there has been broad support for the late firefighter and the fundraising effort. “The number of people who have reached out has been overwhelming,” Biliti said.

More than 500 firefighters from across the state showed up at the funeral last Friday for Brozich at Grace Christian Church in Sterling Heights.

“We had to turn away 250 police officers and firefighters at the church because of COVID-19 restrictions,” Biliti said.

Donations can be made at the Fallen Fighters Daughter Fundraiser on GoFundMe.