The Phoenixville Fire Department announced the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy Fire Chief Brian Gallagher.

Brian was a dedicated firefighter, mentor and leader in Chester County for over 40 years. Brian started as a firefighter with the Kimberton Fire Company in 1972 and soon after joined Phoenixville Fire Department in 1976. He became a fixture at Phoenixville leading many of the company events throughout the years including taking charge of the Junior Firefighter Program. Brian previously held the positions of Lieutenant, Training Officer, and Assistant Chief and was the current Deputy Chief of the department at the time of his passing.

Professionally, Brian previously worked for the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, where he started as a dispatcher on the fire board and served as a County Fire Marshall for several years before he retired in 2007. Brian served as a Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement officer for several municipalities and most recently operated his own business providing Fire Investigation and Code Enforcement services.

Brian served as President of the Northern Chester County Fire Chiefs Association for several years until stepping down at the end of 2014.

The members of the Berwyn Fire Company send our condolences to Brian's family and friends, as well as the members of the Phoenixville Fire Department during this difficult time.

Further details on arrangements can be found on Phoenixville Fire Department's website: http://phoenixvillefire.com/history.html?view=1&id=187743