Posted: Tuesday, December 21, 1999 - 12:20 AM
Biography of Fallen Kansas City Battalion Chief John Tvedten
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Chief Tvedten's Bio
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Source: Brad_Humston
Public Information Officer, KCFD
John was simply the best! The best husband, father, friend, firefighter-the best at whatever he chose to do. I will never forget his humor, compassion and intellect. John was always way out in front working to improve everything he touched. Personally, I have lost my friend, brother, counselor, mentor, and moral compass. Collectively we have lost an icon. A large part of me will be buried along with John. John, I love you and will miss you.
- Domenic Serrone, KCFD Battalion Chief and John's best friend
John Tvedten, 47 will be remembered for his love and dedication to his wife Susan, and his son, Tyler. John had a keen wit, loved practical jokes and was a highly creative writer of numerous psalms and short stories. He loved woodworking and was a gifted craftsman.
Chief Tvedten (left)
Photo Courtesy Kansas City Fire Department
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John was appointed to the Kansas City Fire Department on August 13, 1973 and inspired the entire cadet class to raise their standards to match his enthusiasm and desire to be the best.
From the Fire Academy, John was assigned to Station 18-B Shift where he worked as a firefighter until promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator on April 25, 1977. As a driver, John was assigned to Pumper 19, Truck 9 and Truck 8 before settling in at Truck 11-A Shift in September of 1980. He was promoted to Fire Captain on October 26, 1986. As a Captain, John served as a role model for numerous firefighters under his command while assigned to Station 36-C Shift. On January 27, 1991, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served as an outstanding leader, teacher, humorist and friend to Battalion 106-C Shift, Battalion 103-A Shift and Battalion 106-A Shift. John proudly wore the Cairns leather helmet that his father, John Tvedten, Sr. wore while a Battalion Chief for the Kansas City Fire Department.
John was a recent recipient of a KCFD Unit Citation and two Distinguished Service Awards. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Emanuel Cleaver II in June of 1993 for his "dedication to the quality of life during emergency rescue efforts." John's personnel file is filled with numerous letters of appreciation for outstanding performance from individual citizens and business representatives in the private sector.
A 1970 graduate of Southwest High School, John was a state champion in wrestling where he earned the nickname, "Spiderman". He had a thirst for knowledge that is evident by his academic achievement.
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - 1974
- Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology (4.0 grade point average),
Penn Valley Community College - 1977
- Phi Kappa Phi scholastic honor society - 1980
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with distinction),
University of Missouri-Kansas City - 1981.
- Masters Degree in Public Administration,
Harvard University - 1983
Being the son of a KCFD Battalion Chief, John was a natural leader and a believer in instituting change and innovation for the ever-changing environment of the fire service. He was an active member of the IAFF serving in numerous capacities:
Executive Board Member of IAFF Local 42 - 1974 to 1976
General Vice-President of IAFF Local 42 - 1976 to 1978
Union economist and negotiator during 1982-83 contract negotiations for IAFF Local 42
President of the KCFD Chiefs Association and newly formed IAFF Local 3808 - 1996 to present
John was a very ambitious believer in improving the quality of life and benefits for firefighters, both active and retired. He was instrumental in designing positive changes for the KCFD that included being the architect of FD21C, an internally driven plan that reorganized the fire management structure and introduced the rescue company concept. He served on numerous committees including:
- Firefighters Pension Board
- Welfare Board
- Deferred Compensation Board
- Public Safety Concern
John leaves behind his wife Susan and 11 year old son, Tyler; his mother, Margaret Tvedten; sisters, Janet Buster, Johnna Tvedten, Jeanie Mercer, Julie Tvedten and Jill Long. John will be sadly missed by all.
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