With sorrow and heavy hearts, the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company has hung purple bunting in honor of one of its youngest department members, Crew Kirst, who lost his life in a recent motor vehicle accident.

Kirst joined the company, known as the “Nomads,” out of desire to give back to the community and neighbors he loved. A welcomed addition to the Nomad family, Kirst brought a relaxed approach, genuineness, and positive attitude. He was light-hearted and quick on his feet with comebacks and jokes. His ever-present sense of humor often kept his colleagues laughing, whether when kicking back after a drill in the firehouse watch room or on dark, rainy nights during long hours responding to burning transformers, downed wires, and fallen trees.

No matter how big or small the job, Kirst embraced the work and often stayed until the last firefighter went home. He responded to structure fires and numerous other North Madison emergencies on the worst winter days. Members recall him hooking up large diameter hose, stretching it down the street to hook up to supply trucks, and carrying ladders and equipment through deep snow at one February structure fire where water froze the driveway and road to ice. At yet another recent fire, when most of the town still lacked electricity, Kirst provided valuable fire-ground manpower. Always committed to the end, he was one of the last members rolling and packing heavy hose lines in tough snow and ice conditions, then staying on afterward at the firehouse to powerwash, re-roll and repack the hose.

Kirst’s energy, spirit, and dedication to the company and his teammates inspired everyone around him. He sought out opportunities to learn from senior members, who in turn relied on Kirst’s knowledge of each fire apparatus and cargo—notably small gas-powered equipment—that Crew knew well not only from his years as a junior member, but also through his passion for motocross. In turn, he mentored younger members, who saw him as a role model for his ability, his sense of fun, his good-natured “busting” on them, for making them feel they belonged, and especially for his small but meaningful acts of kindness: One night after a drill during exam week, for example, Kirst drove a junior’s forgotten backpack all the way downtown to school. Last October, another member recalls, he “saved the day” with a last-minute repair to the burn box during the company’s open house: “His contributions were clutch!” As a former junior describes Kirst, “He was a great soul.”

Kirst clearly loved his experience with the Nomads, and envisioned becoming a career firefighter. He took his training seriously, earning the respect of fellow Nomads who found him very knowledgeable, dependable, and committed to the department and the greater community.

Kirst’s unforgettable smile and many contributions to the company will remain forever in his colleagues’ hearts. His spirit, selflessness, and joy in serving others will continue to inspire all those who knew him.