The Muscatine Fire Department will gather Monday morning to remember Firefighter Michael Kruse, who died in the line of duty 24 years ago.
A memorial ceremony is scheduled for 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the Firefighters Memorial at Cedar Street and East 5th Street. Firefighters, family members, friends and community members are invited to attend and honor Kruse’s life, service and sacrifice.
Kruse was a 27-year veteran of the Muscatine Fire Department when he was killed on Sept. 14, 2002. He died after the roof of a three-story home collapsed during firefighting operations.
His death remains the greatest tragedy in the department’s history and continues to be an important part of Muscatine firefighters’ training. Fire Chief Mike Hartman and former Chief Jerry Ewers have credited Kruse’s leadership and professionalism with helping shape generations of firefighters.
Monday’s ceremony will include a wreath-laying, placement of firefighting gear and a moment of silence in his memory.
The department also incorporates Kruse’s story into recruit training, emphasizing firefighter safety, preparedness and the lessons learned from the 2002 fire.
Kruse’s death came just one year and three days after 343 firefighters were killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. For Muscatine firefighters and the community, the timing served as another reminder of the risks faced by those who run toward danger to protect others.
Twenty-four years later, the Muscatine Fire Department continues to remember Michael Kruse and the lasting impact of his service.
