John P. Breen

I just presented my Fire Code Enforcement work at INTERFLAM in London. I was asked how I got interested in fire code enforcement and I was able to tell some favorite John Breen stories . His legacy is enormous

Chief Breen was always a gentleman's gentleman. He was a firefighter's firefighter and always looked out for each of us as if we were a member of his family. His dedication to the fire service and the District of Columbia Fire Department was inspiring and exemplary. The mentored many and was a walking history book of the D.C.F.D. On another front, he was an extraordinary family man reflected by many happy times with his wife Mary and the success of 10 extraordinary children. There is no...

I have just heard of the death of my friend and Mentor, John Breen. He was also a close friend of my father and he inspired my work in fire safety. He was honest, courageous and dedicated to public service. His insistence on equal and fair treatment for all members of the fire service was an inspiration and a model. His humor and memory were legendary and his concern for the poor and disadvantaged and "at risk" had a lasting influence on safety codes and enforcement.

Mary Ellen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

My heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to the entire Breen family. I am certain that the influence of his character, ethics, and spirit has been instilled in his children and grandchildren and will live on through them for many years to come.

God Bless

Chief Breen was a true gentleman and a great fire commander. It was an honor for me to have worked with such an honorable and decent man.
Ron Danner

Saw the Obit in the Washington Post.
My thoughts are with the Breen family. From a former co-worker of Michael Breen at ATF. Ed Reisman, Camp Springs, Maryland

Dear Breen Family,

Chief Breen was an icon to our brotherhood. I had the pleasure of working with him as a young Firefighter.
Condolences to the Breen family.