Des Moines Fire Department mourns death of fire engineer Craig Kern
A longtime member of the Des Moines Fire Department died Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency at his home.
Fire engineer Craig Kern, who worked for the department for 32 years, was off duty when he died.
"Our hearts are heavy. Craig is everything good about the Des (Moines) Fire Department and his loss leaves a giant void in our hearts," officials said in a statement posted to the department's Facebook page.
Kern "was a true 'gentle giant' who earned tremendous respect from those around (him) through not words, but actions," according to a tweet by the department. 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. pic.twitter.com/pebEDk5q8X
— Des Moines Fire Dept (@DSMFireDept) September 23, 2022
Kern is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and his sons Kort and Clay. Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home is handling arrangements; information had not been publicly released as of Sunday.
Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at @francescablock3.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Craig Kern, Des Moines fire engineer, died suddenly at home Wednesday
