08/16/2026
Today, August 16th 2026, was an incredibly special day at the Brewster firehouse.
We officially dedicated our new forcible entry training door. The door is dedicated to two guys who meant so much to this department: William "Billy" May and Robert "Link" Linkenhoker.
Billy, who's 29th birthday would have also had been today, was a "Can do, Get it done" type person. He was never afraid to step up and train. He always wanted to leave this place better than how he found it.
Link was one of the first "Rescue guys". Someone who took great pride in forcible entry and even extrication. He was also as an avid motorcycle rider, a proud member of the Iron Order MC.
Some of the funding for this prop came from our annual memorial motorcycle ride for Billy and Link, while the majority was generously covered by the Charlie Fowler Memorial Fund.
Charlie was a lifelong resident of Brewster and a past Captain of the Brewster Fire Department who graciously left behind for us, a training fund, that still grows today.
We miss these fine men everyday but their legacies will live on forever especially when you combine Billy’s drive to practice, Link’s rescue expertise, and Charlie’s generosity.
It's what makes this door the perfect tribute. Their plaques will stay on it permanently, which means they will be the ones teaching every new member how to use the irons from here on out.
Now as Billy would say "Chop Chop" Let's force some doors.
Rest easy men, we will never forget you.
