A 32-year veteran of the Des Moines Fire Department died after suffering a sudden medical emergency at his home on Wednesday, September 23.
Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD) announced in a statement on Twitter that Fire Engineer, Craig Kern, died after suffering a sudden medical emergency on Wednesday.
Craig is described as a “gentle giant” who earned tremendous respect from fellow DMFD members and officers who regularly said they could always count on him. He was awarded the City’s Meritorious Service Award and Firehouse Magazine’s Heroism and Community Service Award.
“The DMFD mourns the loss of Fire Engineer Craig Kern, who suffered a sudden medical emergency while at home on Wednesday. A 32-year veteran of the Department, Craig was a true “gentle giant” who earned tremendous respect from those around through not words, but actions.”
Des Moines Police Department paid tribute to Craig in a message posted on their Facebook page.
The City of Des Moines lost a tremendous presence on Wednesday with the passing of Fire Engineer Craig Kern, who suffered a sudden medical emergency while at home.
Craig was not only a 32-year veteran of the Des Moines Fire Department, but a Des Moines native and Lincoln High School graduate. He embodied the term “gentle giant” and was tremendously respected by those privileged to have worked with him.
“Throughout the years, his officers’ evaluations of his work continually included phrases such as “can always count on him”, “regularly fills in as Lieutenant and does well in that role”, “is a quiet, hardworking employee”, and “is a mentor”. Indeed, in his final evaluation, believing he had months until retirement when in fact he had weeks to live, Craig himself wrote, “I hope to be a contributory member of the department, and not to rely on others to carry me.” He succeeded to the day of his death.”
Craig is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and sons Kort and Clay. Information regarding the exact cause of his death have not been publicly released.
