Brian Renato Conner was born on May 8, 1969 to Robert Lee and Hortense Edwards-Conner in Baltimore, Maryland. He crossed over to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 14, 2005 while serving his country in Iraq. As a child Brian always loved to play with fire trucks and G.I. Joe action figures. He loved his family and was a protector to them all. Brian's playful imagination led him into rewarding careers. He graduated from Harbor City in 1989. Upon receiving his diploma Brian joined the Maryland Army National Guard and while serving as a guardsman he attained employment with ehe Baltimore City Fire Department. During his employedment as a firefighter he moved to the level of Lieutemant fo Engine #20. After a friend let him ride his motorcycle, another goal was set and completed, attaining and riding his own bike. He had a great love for his daughters that in turn enabled him to be a wonderful and irreplaceable father. It was extremely rare to see him without at least one daughter. Brian was a passionate man. If he If he believed in something, then his faith was unshakable, for he would stand his ground until the end. He would say ''I understand you point, but I believe mine.'' Brian, a man of stature, was 6feet, 3 inchestall and walked with his head high, because he had reasons to be a proud man. He had accomplished his goals, everything he wanted to do, he did do. Brian was the youngest male sibling in his parents household, but grew up to be the sibling they looked up to in more ways than one. If you had a computer problem, you could call Brian; if you were in need of home imprevement work being done he was there; if you needed transportation, he would loan you one of his vehicles. He was a great lover of all kinds of music and just about owed every CD made. Brian made countless friends during his life and we all will justly miss his smile, his wittiness, his laughter and truly his presence. He leave to take pleasure in his life and legacy: his father, Robert L. Conner; mother, Hortense Edwards-Conner; three daughtes, Christina Nakela Angela Boyd, Adrianna Shena and Zhada Noel Conner; one grandson, Jordan Renato Smalls; three brothers, Paul A. Edwards, Sr., Ricardo L. Edwards, Michael L. Conner, whom preceded him in death and Dominique D. Conner,Sr.; sister Cherice Conner-Davis Anegela Conner whom preceded him in death; grandmother, Maudie L. Edwards Three sisters-in-law, Kieshawn Conner, Jessie Edwards and Vernetta Edwards; two great uncles, Paul Edwards,Jr.and Gregory Lewis; three aunts, Agnes Edwards, Dale Edwards and Sharon Lewis; four nieces, four nephews, five great nephews, three great nieces, a godmother, Patricia Ward, adopted brother, Daniel Walker, the Harbor Crew, the Maryland National Guard, the Baltimore City Fire Department, and a large and loving host of relatives and friends. THE SOLDIER After completing his education, Brian's patriotic spirit led him to enlist in the Maryland Army National Guard on October 3, 1989, Sergeant Conner completed Basic Training and Infantry Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He graduated from those courses on May 4, 1990. Upon his return fron training, Sergeant Conner served as an Infantryman with Company C,2nd Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment in Dundalk, Maryland. Sergeant Conner was next assigned to the 1729th Quartermaster Company in Baltimoreon September 1, 1995 as an Automotive Logistic Specialist. It was with that unit that he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. On February 1, 1996 he returned to Dundalk to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment where he served as a Vehicle Driver. On September 15, 1996 he was attached as as Infantryman to the 3rd Brigade, 29th Infantary Division Light in Pikesville, Maryland. On October 1, 1996 , he transferred to serve as an Infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment in Towson, Maryland. Sergeant Conner was then assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Edgewood Area, Maryland, as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Crew Chief. Sergeant Connor volunteered to transfer to the 243rd Engineer Company on March 25, 2005 as a Motor Transportaion Operator in order to deploy with the unit to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Connor's military education included the Infantry Weapons Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1991. Sergeant Connor was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 14, 2005. Sergeant Connor's awards include: the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Mdeal with Bronze Hourglass Device, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Maryland State Service Medal with two Bronze Botonees, the Maryland State Active Duty Award, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star. THE FIREMAN Brian was employed with the Baltimore City Fire Department on March 15, 1993. Upon completing his training at the Fire Academy, he was assigned to Truck #25. After serving three years in the department, Brian's tenacity and enthusiasm led him to his first department promotion as an Emergency Vehicle Driver and he was assigned to Truck Compay #9. With his desire to seek higher ranks within the department, Brian was once again promoted to Fire Lieutenant and assigned to Engine Company #20 in the Walbrook community. His loyalty to both the deparment and armed forces possessed a quality of bravery and resilience that was maifested in both professions. There is a sacrednes that surrounds a man of his integrity with a great debt of gratitude owed. In the department as well as in the armed forces, Brian faced many insurmountable challenges, but met each one with the highest standards of integrity. Lieutenant Conner was affiliated with the Vulcan Blazers, Incorporated and the Officers Local Union #964. While serving on active duty, Brian also functioned as a liaison for the department's Personnel Department providing recruitment information for members seeking alternate employment upon completing their tour of duty.