On Jan. 14, 2010, heaven gained an angel.

Today marks the six-year anniversary of Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbeck’s death.

Hrbeck was a member of the United States Marine Corp, and was killed in action serving his country.

Hrbeck was born and raised in the town of Westwood, New Jersey, in which he was a Boy Scout and wrestled for his high school.

Hrbeck’s commitment to his community was unparalleled to most, as he joined the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department in his sophomore year in high school, following in the footsteps of his stepfather and brothers.

Two years later, the tragedy of 9/11 shocked the country, including Hrbeck. Hrbeck was so determined and motivated, that as soon as he turned 18, he joined the United States Marines. He additionally took the FDNY test, as he was planning on a career fire service career when he concluded his enlistment.

Soon afterwards, he left for Parris Island, to begin his training as a Marine.

Hrbeck was then deployed to the Middle East to valiantly fight for his country. Throughout his tours in the Middle East, Hrbeck was dedicated to excellence. Not only was a superior soldier, but he also loved his job, what it stood for, and whom it stood for.

During his deployment, Chris faced constant encounters with the enemy. During one particular firefight, Chris witnessed his Sergeant Major step on an Improvised Explosives Device (I.E.D.) The Sergeant Major lost both of his legs because of the explosion. Hrbeck, while under intense enemy fire, acted swiftly and  heroically, moved to stop the bleeding of his fellow marine. Looking back at the incident, doctors say that this medical help turned out to be life-saving.

Hrbeck was given the Bronze Star with Valor becasue of this incident.

On an equally dangerous patrol three weeks later, Hrbeck’s patrol vehicle was partially destroyed because of an I.E.D. Chris stepped out of the vehicle to assess the damage, and stepped on an I.E.D, and was killed instantly.

Chris died at the age of 25, and this was his final tour.

Hrbeck was then given a proper welcome home from the town of Westwood. The town held a procession through the heart of Westwood. The FDNY provided 343 American flags in honorable representation of those firemen who lost their lives on that dreadful day in September of 2001. The streets were lined with red, white, and blue. Community residents, fellow Marines, firefighters, and police officers lined the streets to honor their American Hero.

The Westwood Post Office now has the honor of being named the Christopher R. Hrbeck Post Office.

Christopher R. Hrbeck was a man who dedicated his life to helping people. It started during sophomore year of high school, when he joined the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department. And then his passion led him to the Marine Corp, where his concern was for his fellow Marines and not himself, led him to save a life.

Christopher R. Hrbeck made the ultimate sacrifice for the country that he loved.

All gave some, some gave all