Firefighter Honor Guard Tribute

At French Funerals & Cremations, we are honored to provide firefighter honor guard tributes to those who have served their communities with dedication and bravery. The service for Captain Brian McCaughey Lynch was a poignant tribute to his lifelong commitment to fire and emergency services.

Captain Lynch was a Retired Captain with Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue, a member of the Albuquerque Area Firefighters IAFF Local 244, and a Flight Paramedic with the University of New Mexico Hospital Lifeguard. He passed away in Texas, and upon his arrival in Albuquerque, he was met with full firefighter honors.

Firefighter funeral services are held to honor those who served with bravery. Depending on service status, different honors may be provided. 

Instead of being placed in a traditional funeral coach, Captain Lynch was transported in an ambulance, accompanied by an escort and honor guard. Upon arrival at French Funerals’ Lomas & Eubank location, the honor guard solemnly carried him into the chapel for visitation. 

During the visitation: 

• The honor guard was present, taking shifts standing beside the casket. 
• A formal procession led Captain Lynch’s casket to the funeral coach for transport to the IAFF Local 244 Union Hall for a Celebration of Life. His casket remained open for this wake-style gathering. 
  

The funeral service included several significant firefighter traditions: 

• A procession led by the honor guard, carrying the American, Fire Service, New Mexico, and the Irish flags, accompanied by bagpipers. 
• The Bell Service, where retired fire captains presented a final tribute, reading a statement about Captain Lynch’s last call while another member tolled a portable fire department bell. 
• Flag Folding Ceremony, where the American flag was carefully folded and presented to Captain Lynch’s wife. 
• Fire Engine Ladder Tribute, with the American Flag flown high above the funeral home. 

The passing of a firefighter is a solemn occasion that deserves the utmost respect and honor. At French Funerals & Cremations, we are proud to provide services that reflect the dedication and sacrifice of our community’s heroes. 

For more information on firefighter honor guard services in Albuquerque, NM, please contact us at (505) 275-7200 or visit a French Funerals & Cremation location near you.