YORK COUNTY, Pa. — On Saturday, firefighters and other first responders gathered at the Fairview Township Fire Department for a memorial service to honor the life of fire police officer Brian Peek.
Among those paying their respects was Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook.
“It’s more about celebrating the good life cut short, rather than wallowing in the dark side of the death of a man,” Cook explained.
Peek was killed in August while directing traffic at the intersection of Red Mill Road and Corn Hill Road in Newberry Township, York County.
He served with Goldsboro Fire Company and was said to have touched many lives during his career.
“That is an extension of what we do when we serve the communities on calls, we all show up and support each other,” Cook said.
Family, friends and York County officials shared their experience with Peek while saying their goodbyes.
“For some it’s a career, for other like Brian, it was a passion,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler.
Cook hopes people will remember Peek for who he was, while also using his death as an education tool to avoid similar tragedies.
“There are too many responders, not just firefighters, but paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement officers, tow operators, that are struck, injured and killed on the highways because we don’t necessarily pay attention as we’re driving to the level that we should,” Cook expressed.
After the memorial service the procession continued to the Goldsboro Fire Company for a Celebration of Life.
Chief Douglas Smith declined to be interviewed on camera but described Peek as a man of honor, commitment and courage and said his memory will live on.
Peek was 67 and survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.