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Fort Worth remembers Officer Brian Gentry for two decades of service and 2019 rescue
Fort Worth police, city officials and residents gathered Monday to honor Brian Gentry, who died at 53 after a medical emergency while on duty. Gentry was the first officer through the door in a 2019 SWAT operation that rescued children held hostage under gunfire.
Fort Worth police officers, city leaders and community members gathered outside police headquarters Monday to remember Officer Brian Gentry, a decorated officer who served the department for more than 20 years and died last week after a medical emergency while on duty.
Gentry, 53, died Wednesday, Oct. 21. He most recently worked in the department’s fugitive unit and previously served on the mayor’s security detail.
His colleagues recalled his role in a July 2019 SWAT operation in which officers rescued multiple children being held hostage while the team came under gunfire. Gentry was the first officer to enter the location, according to the department’s account of the operation.
Police Chief Eddie Garcia described Gentry as hardworking and fiercely loyal, saying he received multiple commendations during his career. Those honors included the department’s Medal of Honor, its highest award.
The gathering gave residents a chance to support Gentry’s family, police spokesperson Buddy Calzada said. Mayor Mattie Parker pledged that the city would continue to stand by his two daughters and other loved ones.
“We do not forget,” Parker said, telling the family that Gentry would remain part of the community.
Speakers and attendees stood with Gentry’s family in grief and remembrance. The ceremony closed with a message from fellow officers: “Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here. Anytime, anywhere.”