The body of Tony Bortner, a 51-year-old fire police captain from Laurel Fire Company No. 1 in Windsor, York County, Pennsylvania, was discovered in the Susquehanna River on November 1, 2024, ending a two-week search effort. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office confirmed finding Bortner’s body in shallow water off Peavine Island in the Martic Township area at approximately 2:54 p.m.
Bortner had been missing since October 17, with his vehicle located two days later at the historic Lock 12 area in Lower Chanceford Township, York County. Family members indicated this was a location where “he often went to clear his head,” according to authorities.
Search crews had methodically combed a four-square-mile area since his disappearance before making the discovery. The Lancaster County Coroner pronounced Bortner dead at the scene, and his body was transported to the Lancaster County Forensic Center for further investigation.
The coroner’s updated report, issued on Monday, November 4, clarified that Bortner died from a gunshot wound to the head, with the manner of death ruled as suicide.
Since joining the department in 2006, Bortner has dedicated nearly 18 years to the organization, advancing through various positions. He began his service as a fire police officer, later promoted to lieutenant, before ultimately assuming the role of fire police captain.
Throughout his tenure, Bortner was known for his dedication to the fire company’s operations. “He was always willing to help at fundraising events, station chores, and anything else the company needed,” the fire company stated in their announcement.
Tony’s wife, Brenda Bortner, shared the story on her Facebook page, expressing her love for him and calling him her “forever hero.” “He loved us very much,” she said through tears. “He did everything to protect us and serve us and the community. He would help anybody. All you had to do was ask him, and he was there,” she said. “That’s how everybody remembers him; that’s how I remember him.”
Laurel Fire Company shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook that he had passed. They spoke of the deep sadness they all felt, saying he wasn’t just a member but a friend whose presence at the firehouse would leave a space that was hard to fill. Tony had been with them since November 2006, starting as a Fire Police Officer, moving to Lieutenant, and finally becoming a Fire Police Captain.
