Aurora Fire Rescue celebrated the retirement of a 45-year employee this morning at Aurora Fire Station No. 4.
Firefighter Paramedic Werner Kern finished his decades-long career today and was honored during a retirement ceremony at 10 a.m. at the station located at 1110 S. Quintin St. Fellow firefighters, department retirees, family and friends gathered to share stories and honor Firefighter Kern’s contributions to the city of Aurora.
During the event, chief officers offered their appreciation, and the Aurora Fire Rescue honor guard escorted the retiree in a “walk-off” as he left the fire station for the final time. Firefighter Kern’s career highlights include the following:
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Firefighter Kern is recognized for 45-years of service with Aurora Fire Rescue
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He started as a Fire Apprentice on April 17, 1978 at 18 years old
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Firefighter Kern was awarded the Aurora Fire Rescue Medal of Honor in 1990 for exemplifying duty and service on and off duty. His heroic actions, quick thinking and ingenuity saved a motorist who was trapped in a fire by covering him in mud and dirt. He also received the Ben Franklin Award presented by President George HW Bush for his actions in this incident.
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He served as a Paramedic Field Instructor, quality assurance reviewer and emergency medical services subject matter expert during his time with the department.
“Werner is an example of what every firefighter should aspire to be,” said Fire Chief Alec Oughton. “He is dedicated to his family, his crew, his department, his community and his craft. He will be missed.”