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Brahn 150 Years of Service to Spring Lake Family Legacy The
Fire Chief. In the Brahn household, service was a team effort. His wife, Emma, became an unsung hero of the First Aid Squad, tracking down Charles to respond to calls. C.W. was one of the first on site of the Hindenburg crash and directed many of the First Aid efforts after the Morro Castle tragedy. Emma’s commitment to the First Aid earned her honorary membership in 1937. Together, they continued a legacy of helping others. Their son, Charles “Russell” Brahn, joined Goodwill Fire Company #2 in 1959. Like his father and grandfather before him, Russ dedicated his life to both family and community. Rising through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 1979. Russell’s service was multifaceted. After serving in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s, he returned to Spring Lake as a postman before joining Fort Monmouth, where he worked on classified missile guidance systems. Despite his career achievements, it was his commitment to the firehouse that endured until the day he passed, overseeing the Santa Rides, where his postal expertise helped ensure gifts were delivered throughout town. C.R. amplified the family legacy, with all five of his children, including his son Don, finding their own paths of service within Goodwill. His grandchildren continue this tradition, ensuring that the Brahn name remains at the forefront of Spring Lake’s firefighting community. D on and Margie Brahn: A Legacy Carried Forward Don and Margie Brahn are pillars of the community. Together, they have elevated the family’s tradition of
BY KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
I t is impossible to tell the history of Spring Lake without the Brahn family coming to the forefront. For nearly 150 years, five generations of Brahns have woven themselves into the fabric of our community making it safe and resilient, leaving behind
Lake, Charles recognized the need for a volunteer force, and served as one of Spring Lake Fire Department’s earliest members starting in 1902. This sense of duty was passed to Charles’ and Sarah’s son, Charles Wilbur Brahn. Serving as Postmaster and a founding member of the Spring Lake First Aid, he spent over 30 years as captain, all while actively contributing to the fire department, rising to the rank of
with civic duty, a tradition that began when Charles Russell Brahn arrived in 1877 and has continued with every passing generation. Charles Russell Brahn married Sarah Brand, whose family lived and owned a Pound Fishery in what is now Spring Lake since the early 1800s. Together, they established C.R. Brahn Dairy, delivering fresh milk to residents during the town’s earliest years. Like many founders of Spring
a legacy of service and devotion. The Brahn name is synonymous
22 November 2024
Stroll Spring Lake 23
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