St. Louis Fire Department Mourns the Line-of-Duty Death of Veteran Firefighter Lee Kraus
ST. LOUIS, MO — With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the St. Louis Fire Department announces the untimely line-of-duty death of Firefighter Lee Kraus, a respected 27-year veteran whose life was marked by unwavering courage, selfless service, and deep commitment to the safety and well-being of his community.
Firefighter Kraus suffered a sudden medical emergency while on duty on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Despite immediate efforts and continued care, he tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. His death has sent shockwaves through the fire service and the broader St. Louis community, leaving behind a legacy of honor, dedication, and an enduring example of what it means to live a life of public service.
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Lee Kraus joined the St. Louis Fire Department nearly three decades ago with a heart full of purpose and a steadfast desire to serve. Over the course of his 27-year career, he earned the respect of his peers, the admiration of the community, and the love of a firehouse family that now grieves the loss of one of its most loyal and beloved members.
From battling structure fires in the dead of night to responding to medical emergencies with calm resolve, Kraus approached every call with professionalism, compassion, and a quiet courage that made him a steady presence in the chaos. He mentored countless younger firefighters, not only training them in technique but also instilling in them the values of integrity, resilience, and teamwork.
“He was the firefighter you wanted on your crew,” said one colleague. “Reliable, steady, kind—and someone who would never hesitate to put himself second if it meant helping others.”
A Heart for the City
Firefighter Kraus was more than his uniform. He was a neighbor, a mentor, a friend. Outside the firehouse, he was known for his humility, his dry wit, and the quiet acts of kindness that defined his character. Whether volunteering at local community events, supporting neighborhood outreach programs, or simply lending a hand to those in need, Kraus carried the heart of a servant leader.
His death is not only a loss for the fire department but for the entire city of St. Louis—a city he protected without hesitation, and to which he gave nearly three decades of unflinching service.
Mourning and Remembrance
The St. Louis Fire Department is coordinating with Firefighter Kraus’s family to honor his life and legacy with the dignity and respect he so deeply deserves. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, and plans are underway for a formal Line-of-Duty Death ceremony, which will include the participation of fire departments across the region.
“Our entire department is heartbroken,” said Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson in a statement. “Firefighter Kraus embodied everything that is honorable about our profession. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy will continue to inspire those of us who serve.”
Flags at all city fire stations have been lowered to half-staff, and fire apparatus across the district will bear mourning bands in his memory.
A Call for Support
In this time of profound grief, the St. Louis Fire Department asks the community to keep Firefighter Kraus’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters in their thoughts and prayers. The brotherhood of the fire service runs deep, and during this incredibly difficult time, unity and compassion are more important than ever.
Firefighter Lee Kraus dedicated his life to protecting others. Today, we honor that sacrifice with our deepest gratitude, our unwavering support for his loved ones, and our solemn promise to carry his legacy forward with every call, every act of service, and every life we are privileged to protect.
May he rest in peace. His watch is over, but his impact lives on.