Firefighter, EMT, Ice Hockey player, and—most recently—a girl dad and new father to a baby boy
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
the staff of the Ridgewod blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — For the latest installment of our #MeetTheMembersMonday, we’re sitting down with a familiar face within the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47.
Lieutenant Brian Peacock is a man of many titles: Firefighter, EMT, Ice Hockey player, and—most recently—a girl dad and new father to a baby boy. We caught up with Brian to discuss his 15+ year journey in the fire service, the family legacy that inspired him, and the surprising skill he picked up at age ten.
Quick Profile: Lt. Brian Peacock
-
Rank: Lieutenant / EMT
-
Platoon: C
-
Years of Service: Career since 2011 (Volunteer since 2008)
-
Affiliation: Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
A Legacy of Service: The Path to the Helmet
While many firefighters dream of the sirens from childhood, Brian’s path was guided by his father, a retired Police Chief and lifelong volunteer firefighter.
“I was set on becoming a police officer right out of high school,” Brian admits. “My father actually forced me to take the firefighter test at 18, just three days after graduation.”
That nudge changed everything. After enrolling in the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy and joining the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department, Brian fell in love with the camaraderie and the mission. He has been a fixture of the department ever since.
The Man Behind the Mask: Sewing and Skating
If you think firefighters only know how to handle a hose, think again. One of the most surprising facts about Lt. Peacock? He’s an expert at the sewing machine. Growing up in his family’s boat canvas and upholstery business, Brian learned to sew at the age of ten—a skill passed down by his uncle. When he isn’t at the station or working on a craft, you’ll likely find him on the ice. Brian stays active year-round playing for the NJ FMBA Ice Hockey team.
Life at Home: A Growing Family
The last two years have been a whirlwind for the Peacock household. Brian and his family recently welcomed their son, Hunter Robert, in December 2025, joining big sister Scarlett Marie (born July 2024).
Between raising two toddlers and walking their two German Shepherds, Koda and Kaiser, the Peacocks stay busy. “We love hiking, traveling to Martha’s Vineyard and Topsail, NC, or just cozying up on the couch for a good show,” Brian says.
The Reality of the Job: Physical and Mental Grit
Firefighting isn’t just about the physical demands; it’s about the mental weight. Brian speaks candidly about the challenges of the profession:
“The average person might experience four traumatic events in their lifetime. Firefighters experience dozens yearly. Staying physically fit and maintaining mental clarity is essential not only to my career but my personal life.”
Despite the strain, Brian’s advice for aspiring first responders is simple: Do it. “The ‘Thank you’ from the people you help far exceeds the bad days. The bonds built with coworkers turn them into family.”
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: [email protected]
#RidgewoodNJ #FMBA47 #FirefighterLife #MeetTheMembers #BergenCounty #FirstResponders #CommunityHeroes #GirlDad #NewFather #FirefighterHockey
