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'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death

A Connecticut community is preparing to bury one of its heroes after the longtime Fairfield County firefighter died earlier this week. 

John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett

John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett

Photo Credit: Monroe Volunteer Fire Department

John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett, of Monroe, was just 55 when he died on Monday, Oct. 14, surrounded by his family at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, his obituary said. His wife of 29 years and three children survive him.

Bennett spent his life giving back to his community, his family said. He served as assistant chief of the Glenbrook Fire Department in Stamford and was a lifetime member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.

The Monroe Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post that he leaves behind a legacy of good deeds, hard work, and passion for helping others. 

A 20-year member, John was an invaluable, even-tempered veteran presence around the firehouse where he was a trusted mentor and loyal friend. More importantly, John was a kind-hearted, hard worker who put the care and well being of his family above all else. John’s legacy of service continues with his son John Pyrek-Bennett following in his footsteps as a firefighter and wife Kelliann Golden Bennett serving in our Womens’ Auxiliary. 

John worked as chief distribution mechanic for Eversource for 25 years, his obituary continued. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike. Friends can pay their respects to Bennett's family on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 until 4 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull.

A private burial ceremony will be held at a later date. 

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