Yesterday marked the solemn anniversary of a tragic loss for the city. Webster C. Gentry, a World War I veteran who rushed to volunteer during a crisis, lost his life 102 years ago in the line of duty. On April 25, 1922, amid the chaos of flooding along the Trinity River, Gentry joined the ranks of some 500 men sworn in to assist by Assistant Chief of Police Lee, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.

Despite the treacherous conditions that followed, Gentry demonstrated unwavering valor. In a resolve that cost him his life, he managed to save three members of a local family before succumbing to the very elements he bravely fought against. Reports say his body was discovered the following morning, ensnared by the cruel grip of a submerged barbed wire fence that he had become tangled in while attempting to save a child from the rising waters.

In retrospect, the city's landscape was a perilous jigsaw that day, with rivers breaching their confines, and streets and fences morphing into aquatic traps. The water, indifferent to the struggles on its surface, claimed the life of a man who stood as a testament to the idea of public service. These details of his last act, relayed by the family he was aiding, paint a picture of a man undeterred by the fury of nature. "Gentry pulled three members of the family to safety and returned to rescue their child," was the account highlighted by the Fort Worth Police Department.

Today, we reflect on an ordinary man's extraordinary sacrifice. At 25 years old, a life brimming with potential was cut short, but the legacy left behind is indelible. Officer Gentry serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual's selfless actions can have on a community. A century since that fateful day, his story continues to resonate, a cornerstone in the foundation of the city's collective memory. #WeWillNeverForget is more than a hashtag—it is a commitment to honor those like Gentry, whose bravery transcends time.