Fort Worth honors fallen officer who helped rescue children during 2019 hostage crisis

The decorated officer served the Fort Worth Police Department for more than two decades.

Fort Worth police officers, city leaders and community members gathered Monday to honor a decorated officer who died after suffering a medical emergency while on duty, remembering his more than two decades of service and his role in rescuing children during a hostage crisis.

Officer Brian Gentry, 53, died Wednesday, Oct. 21, after experiencing a medical emergency while on duty. He had served the Fort Worth Police Department for more than 20 years, most recently as a member of its fugitive unit.

During a gathering outside police headquarters, officers and city officials stood alongside Gentry's loved ones to recognize his dedication to the department and the community he served.

"We stand here in Brian's honor. We're united in grief," one speaker said during the ceremony.

Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia remembered Gentry as a dedicated officer whose commitment to his colleagues and the community earned him numerous honors throughout his career.

"He was a hard worker, ferociously loyal, who received multiple commendations throughout his entire career," Garcia said.

Among those recognitions was the department's Medal of Honor, its highest award.

In July 2019, Gentry was the first officer through the door during a SWAT operation in which officers rescued multiple children being held hostage while the team came under gunfire.

The operation was one of several examples of Gentry's dedication to protecting others throughout his career.

Fort Worth police spokesperson Buddy Calzada said the gathering offered residents an opportunity to support Gentry's family as they mourned his death.

"Everyone wants to do something. This is the community's chance to show their support, show their love and to show the family that what you're dealing with, you don't have to do it alone," Calzada said.

Gentry also served on the mayor's security detail during his tenure with the department.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker pledged the city's continued support for Gentry's family, including his two daughters.

"This city never forgets what it looks like to truly back the blue. And number two, this family will always be with you, in birthdays, in holidays, in remembrance; we do not forget. Brian is one of us forevermore, so please know that," Parker said.

The ceremony brought together members of the department and the community to recognize Gentry's service and offer support to those he left behind.

As the gathering concluded, a final message honored the officer and his commitment to protecting others.

"Rest easy, brother. We'll take it from here. Anytime, anywhere."

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.