Longtime Monroe-Lakeside Firefighter and 9/11 Responder John Braunagel Jr. Remembered

By Y.M. Lowy

For nearly four decades, John Braunagel Jr. dedicated his life to the fire service, first as a volunteer with the Monroe-Lakeside Fire & Rescue Company and later as a firefighter with the FDNY, where he responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Braunagel joined Monroe-Lakeside in 1987 at the age of 18 and remained deeply involved with the department throughout his life. Following his service at Ground Zero, he later developed cancer linked to his 9/11 response and was forced to medically retire from FDNY and from volunteer firefighting earlier this year after no longer being able to meet the physical demands of the job.

Despite his illness, fellow firefighters said Braunagel never stopped caring about the department. He continued calling regularly to check on the crew and offer help however he could. In addition to serving as the company’s vice president, he spent years mentoring younger firefighters as chairman of the membership committee. Braunagel passed away Monday, leaving behind a legacy of service that stretched from his hometown firehouse to one of the most defining moments in FDNY history.

The funeral will begin Friday on Maple Avenue East and continue on the next day in Nanuet. Monroe residents should expect possible traffic delays in the area on Friday evening and Saturday morning due to the services.