Festus Fire Chief Kevin Cremer died this morning (Jan. 24), city officials reported on social media.
The Festus Fire Department reported that Cremer, 48, died “after battling complications from COVID-19.”
Cremer had been hospitalized with COVID-19 since Jan. 2, according to city officials.
“It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Festus Fire Chief Kevin Cremer,” Mayor Sam Richards said in a written statement. “A wonderful husband, father and friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his city of Festus family and his brothers and sisters within the fire service.”
A procession of Festus Fire and Festus Police vehicles accompanied the vehicle that transported Cremer’s body from Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City, where he died, to Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus, which is handling the arrangements. The procession stopped briefly in front of the Festus Firehouse, where Festus firefighters assembled to salute their fallen chief.
Cremer of Festus was last on the job Dec. 31, Festus Fire Department staff reported.
“He was a credit to the fire services in the county,” said Bill Haggard, president of the Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association. “To me, it seemed he was a good friend to everybody, liked by everybody. I feel sorry for his family and his friends. It’s a sad day for the county’s firefighters.”
Crystal City Fire Chief Tony Bova said he could always count on Cremer’s cooperation and assistance.
“It’s terrible,” Bova said. “We would work with each other quite a bit. I have 100 percent respect for the gentleman. Anytime I asked for anything, he went over and above in his help.”
On Jan. 10, the Festus City Council agreed to make Capt. Chris Spradling interim chief, at the mayor’s suggestion.