Fire officials, friends and family paid tribute to veteran instructor and building construction expert Frank Brannigan on Saturday.
Brannigan, known for his expertise in construction and fire behavior as well as his fast-talking, died Tuesday. He was 87.
On Friday afternoon, Brannigan's casket was moved from a Montgomery County funeral home to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church aboard a fire truck. Uniformed personnel and engines were stationed along the route to bid him a final salute.
It was rush hour, and citizens often stopped to watch the procession, firefighters said, laughing that Brannigan would be pleased to know he snarled traffic.
Crossed ladders were positioned at the entrance to the church. Prior to the Mass, the Montgomery County honor guard removed the American flag from the casket and folded it. Montgomery County Fire Chief Tom Carr presented it to Brannigan's wife, Maurine, and spoke with her quietly.
Vincent Brannigan thanked the fire service for their support over the past few days. "I'm tempted to say that left Pop speechless. But, some might consider that bad taste. As if Pop ever worried about bad taste when you could make a good joke, especially at a funeral. Pop's cheerfulness was legendary and nothing was sacred when it came to a good joke..."
"Actually, Pop was a very straightforward person. Life was black and white. Certain things were clearly right..."
Brannigan said his father often warned that a firefighter who didn't know his text was dangerous, and stressed to his students that it was paramount to be aware of their surroundings.
The congregation laughed and shook their heads as he shared snippets of family life, including vacations and chores. It was never boring, he said, because of his father's outlook on life.
"He had the gift of the gab and we all knew it."
After the service, fire and rescue personnel stood at attention as the honor guard carried the casket out of the church. Burial will be held next month in Arlington National Cemetery.
Then, it was time to reminisce. There was no shortage of Frank Brannigan stories, and whether they were being told by firefighters, family or friends, they all drew laughs.
