The legacy of a beloved Gates firefighter will live on through a new foundation in his name.
Joe Manuse died last month from a bee sting. He was a 20-year volunteer and the department’s fire prevention officer.
The last several weeks have been tough for those who knew and loved Manuse.
“When he came in the door, everyone knew he was in the building and every time the door opens... I'm kind of waiting for it to be him and for this all to be a bad dream,” Gates Fire Chief Alan Bubel said. The firefighter, father and brother was stung by a bee at a family event in September. While lifesaving efforts started right away, Manuse died at the hospital a short time later.
"We are still in a bit of disbelief, but we are all doing well, moving forward, doing what my brother would want us to do,” Claudio Manuse, Joe’s brother, told News10NBC.