This National Donor Day (February 14), the family of Bayville firefighter and U.S. Army veteran Brian Joseph Letrent is continuing to share his story—one of courage, service, and lifesaving generosity—to encourage others in the community to register as organ and tissue donors.
Brian Letrent, 34, died suddenly on June 21, 2023, after suffering a cardiac episode following firefighter training. A proud member of the Bayville Volunteer Fire Department Station #17, Letrent had dedicated his life to protecting others—serving as a firefighter for more than a decade, a trained officer with Ocean County HazMat, and a U.S. Army veteran deployed to Iraq.
What his family did not know at the time was that Brian had also made the decision to register as an organ and tissue donor.
“I had no idea he was an organ and tissue donor until I got the call after he passed,” said his mother, Kathleen Whitley. “Of course, I honored his wishes. He was a hero in life—and continues to be one after life.”
Through donation, Brian saved and enhanced multiple lives, including individuals with visual impairments, a woman battling breast cancer, and a 5-year-old child in need of a bone marrow transplant.
“I’ve received letters from the recipients about how Brian’s donation changed their lives,” said Whitley. “They couldn’t be more thankful—and that means a lot to me.”
Brian’s commitment to service began early. He enlisted in the U.S. Army while still in high school and was deployed overseas before returning home to Bayville, where he built a career as a mechanic with the Berkeley Township Sewage Authority, earning a promotion shortly before his passing. Outside of work and firefighting, Brian was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, kayaking, quad riding, and NASCAR racing.
Known among his fellow firefighters as one of the department’s top responders, Brian was also awarded the Medal of Gallantry for risking his life to rescue a missing person from a nearby creek.
Now, his family is honoring his legacy by advocating for organ and tissue donation through NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation in New Jersey.
“Since my son’s passing, everyone in our family has made sure their license says, ‘organ donor,’” said Whitley. “It’s amazing how much being a donor can change—and save—someone else’s life.”
National Donor Day, observed annually on February 14, raises awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and celebrates the lifesaving generosity of donors and their families. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.
Community members are encouraged to honor the legacy of Brian Letrent and all donor heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors. To learn more and register as a donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION – Brian Joseph Letrent (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network