Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Mourning the Death of One of Our Own.

On Friday, April 7, 2017 Fire Fighter Rescuer III Charles R. Gentilcore was on duty around 3:30 p.m., at Burtonsville Fire Station 15, and was found unresponsive in the fire station by co-workers. Immediate medical treatment was initiated.

Picture during Recruit School Evolution's

"Rick," age 52, was transported in critical condition to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, Rick succumbed a short time after arriving at the hospital. Rick lived in Bowie, Maryland - Prince George's County.  He was a twenty-three year member of the MCFRS:  first serving as a volunteer with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department (eleven years) and, most recently, as a career fire fighter rescuer (twelve years).  His last duty assignment was Burtonsville Fire Station 15.  He leaves behind a wife, son, and extended family.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott E. Goldstein informed the MCFRS of the On-Duty Death and asked all to "Please keep the Gentilcore family and the entire MCFRS family in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time."

Jeffrey Buddle, President of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1664, said "The members of IAFF Local 1664 are deeply saddened by the line of duty death of our fallen brother. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the Gentilcore family during this extraordinarily difficult time."

Rick's picture during Recruit School

Tami Bulla, President of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, said in a written statement, "Rick joined the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1994 because he knew he wanted to serve his community.  That lead him to pursue a career in Montgomery County Fire Rescue and we were pleased when he was assigned back at Burtonsville, because it felt like he was coming home."

As additional details, including funeral arrangements, become available, they will be released and posted.