Kim Herrmann is a familiar face around the City of Fridley. He started with Public Works over 30 years ago, was hired as a Fridley firefighter in 1988, and this spring he quietly retired. We thank Firefighter Herrmann for his decades of public service.
There is no doubt Kim will still be called upon for advice, especially for picture help as his photography skills are popular in the department. He served with the department full-time for over 20 years and as Fire Captain since January 2009.
Kim kicked off his retirement with a ride around the Great Lakes with the International Association of Fire Fighters – Motorcycle Group. Not a bad start. He is no stranger to road trips, having joined the IAFF-MG on memorial rides over a number of years. His love of wheels aided him well throughout his career as he assisted in planning for the purchase of many department vehicles, including the newest, Engine 3, dedicated into service about a year ago. Kim also took responsibility for the maintenance of vehicles including scheduling pump and ladder testing.
Kim’s talents didn’t stop there. He also created many of the features in the web-based scheduling system currently used by the department for firefighters to bid and schedule shifts. Kim religiously monitored the shift schedule and made sure all areas were covered. As if those contributions weren’t enough, Kim was actively involved in the original design and ongoing maintenance for the regional fire training facility located in Fridley, and he was the last original Fridley member of the MN North Metro Chemical Assessment Team. He served as a Hazardous Material Technician and Specialist in several disciplines from its start in 1994.
When asking his fellow firefighters about Kim Herrmann, the word “kindness” was used without hesitation. Outside department activity, Kim was best known for his “random acts of kindness.” Small moments like plowing out driveways for fellow firefighters, organizing a smoke detector giveaway, and even serving hot dogs at Sam’s Club, stand out in his Fridley legacy.