Des Moines firefighters paid tribute today to Fire Engineer Craig Kern, who died September 21st, at the age of 62. Firefighters stood at attention in front of Fire Station #1 downtown, where Kern spent most of his career. Kern was a 32-year veteran of the Des Moines Fire Department, a native of Des Moines and Lincoln High School graduate.
Kern earned his fire specialist degree in 1998, at which point he had already received the City’s Meritorious Service Award, as well as Firehouse Magazine’s Heroism and Community Service Award. He was subsequently promoted to Fire Engineer in 2001. He was also one of the longest serving Haz Mat team members, at over 30-years.
The Des Moines Fire Department says 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”.