Community remembers longtime Mt. Pleasant fire chief

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant Fire Department and other local fire departments are mourning the loss of retired Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Stewart Kinney.

Following news of Kinney dying Thursday, Dec. 28 at his home, fire departments and local public entities expressed their condolences.

Kinney was born in Mt. Pleasant in 1942 where he later graduated from high school in 1960, married, had children, and started Kinney Masonry.

He served as a firefighter on the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department for 52 years, 32 of which he served as the fire chief.

“It is with great sadness that Mt. Pleasant Fire announces the passing of Retired Fire Chief Stewart Kinney,” Mt. Pleasant Fire Department stated. “Retired Chief Kinney served on the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department for 52 years from 1966 to 2018. His leadership, dedication and friendship will not be forgotten. Rest easy Chief.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with MPFD Retired Fire Chief Stewart Kinney’s family and the MPFD,” Henry County Sheriff’s Office stated. “His many years of service and dedication will not be soon forgotten. Rest in peace, Stew.”

New London Fire and Rescue offered their condolences and prayers to their “fellow brothers and neighbors Mt. Pleasant Fire Department,” upon hearing the news.

With is many years of service and deep roots in the Mt. Pleasant community, Kinney became dear to many individuals that expressed their sympathies in light of the loss.

Current Fire Chief Drew Schumacher took on his current role following Kinney’s retirement in September 2018.

According to Schumacher, Kinney became like a father figure to him during the 25 years the two served together on the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

“Sad to here of his passing,” former firefighter Eugene Beard said. “One of the first members I met when I joined. Made me feel welcome. Wicked smile and dedicated servant to his craft and community.”

“Many condolences,” Burlington Fire Chief Shaun Ryan said. “Stew was a great leader and colleague. He will be missed by so many.”

Former MPFD member David Bruster stated that Kinney “made a lasting impression” on him during his time with the department.

Funeral services for Kinney will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the First United Methodist Church where he was a longtime member.

The service also will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church’s YouTube Channel.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com