Help the Family of Retired Lieutenant John G. Brenner

It is with shattered hearts that we share the passing of Retired Lieutenant John G. Brenner of the Bridgeport Police Department.

John was more than a dedicated officer — he was a protector, a leader, a mentor, and a true friend and brother in blue. He served his community with honor, strength, and quiet dignity. He was the kind of man who showed up when others needed him, without hesitation and without recognition. Throughout his career and his life, John never asked anyone for help. In fact he was the one that others leaned on during their weakest & hardest Moments. John was always very resilient and face many of hard situations in life, although you’d probably never know it because he was a truly private & proud person.

Orphaned as a young boy he and his sister Maureen, faced many struggles in life and lived in foster care until His sister who was older was able to take care of them on her own. When John was old enough he worked several jobs and studied hard to become a Nurse and later an APRN.

He Met the love of his life Laurin, early on in his teenage years and she dedicated her life to him and their children, putting aside her own teaching career to be a house wife and stay home and raise their children. Laurin stood by John’s side faithfully & Loyaly through his entire career. As you are well aware it is very hard for families of law-enforcement officers to understand all of the intricacies that go along with the job, but Laurin stood by John through the ups and downs of police work, tragedies missed holidays, interrupted birthday parties, and she never faulted him, she stood in the gap for him in every absence. She was always there for him & he always put his family first.

During his career, he was a Registered Nurse & became an APRN later he became a Bridgeport police officer and he had a masters in criminal justice. He was a proud graduate of the FBI Academy & conquered the yellow brick road. A proud investigator who always went above and beyond to solve the case. Cases that would haunt his mind forever and alter the way a person looks at the world. He proudly served on a special FBI task force during the 9/11 Terrorist Act. There are too many instances where he has saved peoples lives to mention however, it’s important for you to know that, He was strong — not only as a police officer, but as a husband, father, and friend.

He raised his family with that same resilience and self-reliance. Asking for help has not ever been John’s Strong point & so it never comes easily to his family, And yet, in the face of this unimaginable tragedy, they now find themselves needing the very thing John so freely gave to others.

John spent Super Bowl Sunday with his wife and family like most of us did eating snacks and laughing and joking, but sometime during the middle of the night, the Good Lord called John home. After an autopsy, it was found that John unexpectedly passed away from heart failure, leaving behind his devoted wife, Laurin, and their two daughters Amanda & Kailee. His loss has created a void that cannot be measured.

John had already endured the loss of his Parents and Only Sister Maureen, before his own untimely passing. Now Laurin and the girls are left alone in this world to navigate this heartbreaking chapter largely on their own.

The heartbreak has been relentless. The family also recently lost their beloved dog, Rebel — a loyal companion who brought comfort and stability during Laurin’s recovery. That loss, too, was devastating, for the family especially during a time when they so desperately needed something steady and familiar.

As if losing her husband were not enough, Brave & Strong Laurin is a recent survivor of a brain tumor. She recently underwent surgery and continues follow-up care and treatment through the Smilow Cancer Hospital. She is bravely trying to maintain her full-time job while managing her health at The Smilow Cancer Hospital, While grieving her husband John, and helping her daughters process a loss that has shaken their world & ripped the rug out from beneath them.

Laurin is the Glue keeping her family together now that John has passed on and it is up to us to now Stand in The GAP for our brother in blue John & for his dedicated wife Laurin and their Children. As One of his closest friends I am asking for you to put yourself in this family shoes, knowing that God forbid something would ever happen in your life that we would stand in the gap for you and your family.

They were just beginning to find someone hope again after Laurin’s surgery, when John’s sudden passing changed the whole blueprint of their lives forever. The Patriarch of the family no longer on this earth to support them.

As you know, a widow of a retired police officer only receives half of the deceased pension, and that is hardly enough to survive on. Upon checking with the proper representative, it was found that Life Insurance through the police benevolent association had lapsed after John’s retirement due to dues no longer being subtracted from his paycheck. After John’s, passing his retirement check was not deposited into his account as expected. It was immediately stopped, therefore causing a major disruption in the financial situation of a new widow and her family. Due to the fact that the spouses of police officers are not covered through medical insurance. A bulk of their finances went towards his wife’s healthcare and keeping her alive when she was diagnosed with brain tumor.

At the same time, they are facing displacement from their current home due to the high cost of rent. They urgently need to relocate to something smaller and more affordable in a safe neighborhood, but the financial strain has become overwhelming on Laurin & her children.

The family is planning a memorial service for John on May 15th 2026 time will be determined at Abriola Funeral Home, to properly honor John’s life and legacy.

This fundraiser is being organized to support our fallen brother’s family during this incredibly painful time.

All funds raised will go directly into Laurin’s bank account to assist with:

• Moving expenses

• Security deposit and rent

• Basic living costs

• Ongoing medical-related expenses

• Memorial service costs

John spent his life protecting others. He stood strong for his community and never once asked for anything in return. Now, in honor of the man who was always there for everyone else, I ask on behalf of of his proud family, that you to dig deep in your hearts and help carry his family through this devastating season. We are all a family of Blue.

They would never ask — but with Laurin’s permission, I am asking on their behalf.

If you are able, please consider donating. No amount is too small. And if you cannot give at this time, please share this page and keep Laurin and her daughters in your thoughts and prayers.

Let us stand together in the GAP for our brother in blue — and for the family that he loved FIERCELY beyond measure.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support. Thank you for taking the time out to read this message & God Bless Us All.

Thank you in advance for your time

And for those of you who would instead like to use Venmo, @Laurin-Brenner

If you have any further questions on how you could be of assistance otherwise or if you know of any rental properties, please reach out to me. Kimberly Schwartz Hart