Debrecen firefighter dies in tragic accident in Germany aged 46

Gyula Jertyity, a senior firefighter and specialist vehicle operator with the Debrecen Professional Fire Brigade, has died in a road accident in Germany at the age of 46, the Hungarian disaster management authority announced.

Jertyity dedicated more than two decades of his life to protecting the public. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Hajdúszoboszló in 2001 before joining the Debrecen Professional Fire Brigade as a full-time firefighter in 2007.

Over the years, he worked as a firefighter and driver at the Hajdúszoboszló fire station and its disaster management outpost before returning to Debrecen in 2021. Since August 2023, he had been responsible for operating specialist fire engines and equipment at the Debrecen brigade.

During his service, Jertyity took part in numerous firefighting operations and technical rescues, helping to deal with the aftermath of fires and other emergencies.

His colleagues and superiors highly respected his professional knowledge and practical experience. His work was characterised by precision, thoroughness and reliability, and his fellow firefighters and commanders could always count on him to carry out his duties safely and professionally.

Jertyity, who held the honorary rank of senior warrant officer, is being mourned by the disaster management authority and his fellow firefighters.

Nóra Papp-Kunkli, spokesperson for the Hajdú-Bihar County Disaster Management Directorate, told Debreceni Nap that the accident occurred on Monday night in Germany.