MANCHESTER – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Flanagan is being remembered for his dedication and leadership after a tragic incident cut his life short. He was 47.
Flanagan was working in a marked construction zone where two lanes had been closed on the New Jersey Turnpike near milepost 87.7 in Edison. State Police said an SUV entered the area and struck him in the early morning hours of October 13.
The driver fled the scene but was later identified as Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison, police said. He was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in fatal injuries. He is innocent until proven guilty.
“Brian was not only our chief, but a loving husband, father, uncle, friend, and brother to our fire company family. His loss leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” read a statement from the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone grieving this heartbreaking loss.
Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for your service and dedication. You will never be forgotten,” they said.
Local officials are mourning his loss. At a Manchester Township Council meeting that evening, Police Chief Antonio Ellis expressed his condolences to his family and the fire company.
“I worked with him for 26 years or so in various capacities,” he said. “This was a tragedy this morning and we will be supporting his family at services in the next few days to honor him.”
Council President Michele Zolezi said, “Brian was more than a fire chief. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and dedicated member of our community who gave so much of himself in service to others. His commitment to protecting others, his leadership, and his willingness to serve extended well beyond the firehouse. His loss will be deeply felt throughout Manchester Township.”
“On behalf of the Manchester Township Council, we extend our deepest condolences to Brian’s wife and children, his family and friends, and his brothers and sisters throughout our fire and emergency services community. We are profoundly grateful for his dedication and selfless service. His legacy will not be forgotten,” she said.
Reaction during the council meeting was one of sorrow and shock. Council members expressed their condolences and celebrated his memory.
Councilman Craig Wallis said he knew Flanagan “for 30 plus years. I went to the same high school as his uncle and father. I’ve known the family for a long time. Brian was a good man. He was a great father and a great son, an outstanding brother, a good friend and someone who dedicated his life to this township. He was an incredible young man.”
“He checked all the boxes that a good person should check off. I’d like to see us find a way to memorialize him in this town, if we can do some kind of plaque as that would be appropriate. We can talk about it further. He will be missed,” Wallis added.
Other local first responders expressed their sympathy while recalling Flanagan’s sense of duty and dedication.
The Manchester Volunteer Fire Company issued a statement extending their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Chief Flanagan and his family.
“There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances. Our hearts ache for Brian and his family as they face a loss that no family should ever have to endure. During this difficult time, we hope they can find comfort in the love of family, the support of friends, and the compassion of the community that stands beside them,” they said.
“As members of the fire service, we understand that the bond we share extends far beyond the firehouse. We are a family built on courage, sacrifice, and standing together through life’s most difficult moments. Today, we stand with Chief Flanagan and his family, keeping them close in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable heartbreak,” they said. “May the love surrounding your family bring you some peace, and may you find strength in the memories that will forever live in your hearts.”
“Chief Flanagan leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and commitment that will not be forgotten,” the Whiting Fire Company stated. “His presence in Station 34, throughout our township, and among those who knew and relied on him will be deeply missed. His impact extended beyond the firehouse, including the many customers and families he served through his business, Gotta Go Septic. Even in his everyday work, he was a man who showed up, put in the effort, and served others. His loss is truly devastating. His commitment to protecting others, serving his community, and supporting those around him was a reflection of the kind of man he was.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, Station 34 members, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched,” they said. “Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for your years of service and sacrifice. Your watch may be over, but your legacy will live on.”
Hatzolah of Central Jersey sent a statement joining “the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company and the Manchester community, in mourning the loss of a hero, Chief Brian Flanagan.
“Chief Brian has served with dedication, compassion, and courage. His sincere desire to help others was apparent in every interaction,” they said. “May his memory be a blessing and may his dear family and friends find comfort in his accomplishments and his sterling reputation.”
A viewing for Flanagan will be held Monday, October 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road in Manchester. A firefighters’ service will take place at 7 p.m. Family, friends and community members are invited to attend and offer their condolences.
On Tuesday, October 20, at 10:30 a.m., a final call will be held at the firehouse, followed by an escort to Ocean County Memorial Park for cremation.
Chris Lundy contributed to this story.
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