Latest news with #NorwalkFireDepartment
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community honors Doug Richardson during funeral service
DES MOINES, Iowa — Law enforcement from across the metro gathered to honor the service of Norwalk Fire Department's Captain Doug Richardson. Norwalk Fire Department Captain Doug Richardson died unexpectedly on January 28th. Wednesday, friends and family gathered at Lutheran Church of Hope to honor his life and years of service. Throughout his 28 years of public service, Doug worked with several agencies and held several positions, including firefighter, medical dispatcher, reserve police officer and public safety manager. Those who knew him best, said Richardson's life of public service started at a young age. 'Doug actually ended up with a job at eight years old and was seen riding his bike like the wind towards the fire station when there was a call because his job, thanks to his dad who was on the department, was to close the doors after the trucks left,' said retired Assistant Fire Chief Tony Collins, Clive Police Department. Richardson dedicated his life to Norwalk and public service, but his greatest joy was his friends and family. 'He was a public servant, best friend, son, teacher, uncle, husband,' said friend Jeff Caldwell. 'This guy who would drop everything for anyone, many times with a laugh, but most importantly, this man for whom, despite having what seemed like 100 jobs, had one job that was his most important pursuit in his life, and that was as a father.' 'His family was always put first, and he cherished his role as a father, a son, a partner, an uncle that always came first,' said Sergeant Paul Parizek, Des Moines Police Department. 'Doug did life right, and he did it with a smile on his face.' Those who loved him most will have constant reminders of his legacy as a serviceman. One of Doug's many roles was as a public safety manager for Des Moines Public Schools. There, he helped lay the foundation for a program which could help save countless lives. 'We had just started to work together on a Stop the Bleed project through Polk County Health Emergency Preparedness, where we will be installing just under 200 new cabinets with kits throughout our buildings and athletic facilities,' said Melissa Abbott, Des Moines Public Schools health Services manager. 'I am continuing to move forward with this project and want to share for the first time that we will be dedicating this project in remembrance of Doug.' This dedication is just one way that Doug's legacy will live on. Doug leaves behind his fiancé and her two children, his parents and sister, and his two children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Johnston elementary school closed for two days due to high illness rate
JOHNSTON, Iowa — An elementary school in Johnston will be closed for two days due to a high number of illnesses. On Wednesday leaders with the Johnston Community School District sent an email to parents and staff announcing there would be no school or KTC child care at Beaver Creek Elementary School on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31. Norwalk Fire Department reflects on unexpected loss of firefighter According to the district, the closure is due to over 20% of students at the school being absent due to illnesses, including norovirus, influenza A, strep throat, and pneumonia. The district said it has been in contact with the Polk County Health Department throughout this issue. Students and staff will return to school on Monday, February 3. While the closure is only for Beaver Creek, district leaders are encouraging students and staff at other schools within the district to stay home if they're ill and to practice good hygiene. Metro News: Des Moines mobile home park narrowly avoids 10 acre grass fire DMPD requests help locating missing, endangered man Johnston elementary school closed for two days due to high illness rate UPDATE: Missing Polk County man found safe Norwalk Fire Department reflects on unexpected loss of firefighter Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Norwalk mourns the loss of longtime first responder, public servant: ‘We lost a true hero'
NORWALK, Iowa – The Norwalk Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Doug Richardson passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was a captain, firefighter, and paramedic. The Norwalk Fire Department released a statement on Facebook that said Richardson died of a medical emergency while off duty. Fire Chief Jennifer Porter said in the statement, 'Doug will be remembered for his tireless dedication and genuine care for the people he served. His passing is a tremendous loss to our department and our community.' Richardson grew up in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School. He joined the Norwalk Fire Department in 1997. Artwork by Ukrainian children to be auctioned in Marshalltown Norwalk City Manager Luke Nelson writes, 'Doug was a long-time member of the Norwalk Community. He has served Norwalk citizens for many years. His warmth, humor and dedication will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and the firefighter community. We lost a true hero.' Richardson was also the public safety manager for Des Moines Public Schools. The district released a statement reading, 'Perhaps his greatest skill was of that as a communicator, and he was instrumental in his role as a liaison between DMPS and the entire first responder community. In short, Doug was always working to help improve the well-being of others. He will be greatly missed.' The Des Moines Police Department echoed that sentiment on social media, highlighting Richardson's public service as a dispatcher and reserve police officer. Chief Michael McTaggart said, 'Doug was a staple in Des Moines' public safety for decades… Doug was a friend to all those involved in public safety, from fire to police departments and everything in between. Most importantly, Doug was a loving father, partner, and friend.' Fellow first responders showed up to honor Richardson Tuesday. He received a silent escort from the hospital to the State Medical Examiner's office in Ankeny. Funeral arrangements are still pending. Norwalk mourns the loss of longtime first responder, public servant: 'We lost a true hero' Artwork by Ukrainian children to be auctioned in Marshalltown Caitlin Clark Foundation giving $22,000 grants to 4 Iowa charities Sports is a family affair for Cooper DeJean Iowa House Republicans advance civics test requirements in order to graduate Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
