10/01/2026
September 30, 2026
A Community Remembers Jr. Firefighter Bryce Kaufmann
Today was a day of profound sadness as our community came together to pay tribute to Jr. Firefighter Bryce Kaufmann. There was hardly a dry eye as the funeral procession traveled through Girard, from the Girard Alliance Church on Rice Avenue, down Main Street, and to the Girard Cemetery.
When a young person chooses to serve their community as a volunteer, a special light shines. Experienced firefighters recognize the dedication and commitment that begins a lifelong journey of service and belonging to the fire service family. Younger volunteers see a brother and a budding role model, while those who have served for many years remember when they first began and see the future of their department and their community.
Volunteering as a firefighter builds a sense of responsibility, resilience, courage, and fellowship that helps us face whatever life puts in front of us. When Bryce Kaufmann's life ended so suddenly, the light that shined so brightly was replaced by a deep darkness felt throughout our entire community.
Yet, during these difficult days, that darkness has been met by an extraordinary outpouring of kindness, compassion, and support.
There are many people and organizations who deserve our sincere gratitude:
• To the people who were first on the scene, who called 911, stayed until help arrived, and provided comfort.
• To the ambulance crews and all first responders who responded to the scene of this tragedy.
• To the nearby business owners and employees for their assistance, cooperation, and compassion.
• To Bryce's family, for allowing our community to share in remembering and honoring his life.
• To the members of A. F. Dobler Hose and Ladder Company, who have stood together through unimaginable grief while continuing to serve their community.
• To those who provided counseling and emotional support to Bryce's family, his fire department family, first responders, and members of our community.
• To Edder Family Funeral Home for the care, professionalism, and compassion shown throughout this difficult time.
• To everyone at the Girard School District, who supported Bryce's classmates, teachers, staff, and his school community.
• To West County, Millcreek and Erie County Emergency Management for their assistance and support.
• To the fire companies that provided coverage for A. F. Dobler during their time of tremendous need.
• To all of the police departments, fire companies, ambulance crews, and first responders who provided assistance and support.
• To the Girard Borough Public Works Department, who responded to a Main Street emergency only minutes before the funeral procession and then worked into the evening to restore power so the community could safely gather and honor Bryce.
• To the people of our community, who lined the procession route, stood quietly in the rain, wearing red, and showed Bryce's family and the members of A. F. Dobler that they were not alone.
• To the media, who provided respectful coverage and important traffic information to our community.
• To everyone who provided food, refreshments, comfort, and support to A. F. Dobler and the many first responders who stood beside them.
• To the Girard Borough Council, Mayor, Borough Employees and neighboring municipalities for their support during this difficult time.
• To the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the proclamation allowing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Jr. Firefighter Bryce Kaufmann.
The list of people who have helped during these difficult days could go on and on. Each act of kindness, whether large or small, has meant something to Bryce's family, to A. F. Dobler Hose and Ladder Company, and to our entire community.
It is through these many acts of kindness, from people near and far, that we are reminded of the light Bryce brought into the lives of others.
His life was far too short, but the light he carried continues to shine through the people he touched, the fire service he loved, and the community he served.
In the midst of our grief, it is that light that will help guide us forward.
Robert A. Stubenbort, Girard Borough Manager
