Veteran Monroe Firefighter Dies Suddenly, Mourned By Community

MONROE, CT — The community is mourning the sudden death of a longtime Monroe volunteer firefighter.

The Monroe Volunteer Fire Department announced Monday with “profound sadness” the sudden death of active volunteer firefighter John Bennett.

“A 20-year member, John was an invaluable, even-tempered veteran presence around the firehouse where he was a trusted mentor and loyal friend,” officials wrote in a post on the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page. “More importantly, John was a kind-hearted, hard worker who put the care and well being of his family above all else.

“John’s legacy of service continues with his son John Pyrek-Bennett following in his footsteps as a firefighter and wife Kelliann Golden Bennett serving in our Women’s Auxiliary.

“Our deepest condolences to the Bennett family and friends. While incredibly sad, we feel very fortunate that ‘JB’ / ‘Cuz’ was a special part of our organization for so many years.”

Officials said services will be announced soon.