Remembering Charles ‘Rick’ Gentilcore
On Friday, April 7, the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department suffered the tragic, unexpected loss of Firefighter Charles ‘Rick’ Gentilcore while on duty at fire station 15. DFRS and BVFD personnel immediately initiated all possible means of emergency care, however resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
A fire service honor guard assembled at Holy Cross where his escort to Baltimore OCME included all BVFD apparatus. The station has been draped with black bunting and the flags lowered to half-staff.
Rick joined the BVFD on March 7, 1994, and achieved the rank of Firefighter III. He was very active for many years. Rick was a Top Responder in 2000, responding to over 300 calls.
Many will remember his antics in the annual “Burtonsville Bowl” football fiasco and his mischievous personality. Rick’s dedication to the BVFD continued even after being hired by the County as a firefighter. He continued to volunteer when he was able, maintaining relationships with those whom he had worked, and was thankful when he was assigned back to Station 15.
We ask that everyone keep Virginia, Todd, and the entire Gentilcore family in your thoughts and prayers.
MFF RICK GENTILCORE MEMORIAL TUITION REIMBURSEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Charles “Rick” Gentilcore Memorial Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship honors his service and memory and supports BVFD members in pursuing educational opportunities.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department. Information on donating online or off can be found here.
BVFD Recipients
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby Morales | Michael Newman | Michael Newman | Mikayla Bechtel |
| Michael Newman | Mikayla Bechtel | Yasmine Sosmath | Jamie Calderon |
| Allison Brown | Ahshante Branch | Ahshante Branch | Michael Newman |
| Harry Saval | Jamie Calderon | ||
| Toni Ann Wiggan | Morena Gomez | ||
| Kelly Barnard | |||
| Mikayla Bechtel |
Rick in Photos
Social Media
MCFRS Honor Guard & other units escorted Fallen Fire Fighter Charles R. Gentilcore, & family, from Holy Cross Hospital to OCME in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/1w9CjT8npW
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 8, 2017
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Fire Fighter Charles R. Gentilcore, age 52, 23 years MCFRS service, assigned to Burtonsville FS715 pic.twitter.com/NJxZrGM0FC
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 8, 2017
~Dozen MoCo PD provided MCFRS escort to Baltimore. MCFRS & BVFD crews joined in as Prayers were offered w/ the Gentilcore family in Balt pic.twitter.com/9KONzppOUe
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 8, 2017
Master Firefighter Rick Gentilcore was remembered and honored by about 100 “Muddy Angels” as part of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. The Glen Echo Fire Department (Station 11) hosted the riders yesterday afternoon at a special stop during the ride from Boston to Arlington (500 miles).
While at the GEFD, they honored Rick in a moving ceremony. Rick’s wife, Virg Gentilcore, was there to receive tags from the riders who had been carrying his name. Virg spoke at the event. BVFD personnel stood with Virg, in recognizing Rick. Ambulance 715 was present with Captain O’neal Johnson and FF Winston.
For more info about the ride, go to: www.muddyangels.com
Heroes, Inc. held the second annual May Day Event at The Filmore in Silver Spring. The event honored the most recent fallen Montgomery County heroes, Police Officer Noah Leotta and Master Firefighter Rick Gentilcore. The Montgomery County Pipes and Drums performed as a slide show tribute to Rick was displayed.
