Captain awarded Des Moines Fire Department Medal of Honor after river rescue of child

A Des Moines Fire Department captain received the department's Medal of Honor during the 2026 awards ceremony for a June 28, 2025 rescue in which the captain entered the Des Moines River near Principal Park and swam out to reach an elementary'age child who was in imminent danger of drowning.

District Chief Nikki Kinzenbach introduced a video of the rescue and said the event illustrated "clarity, courage under pressure" and the kind of leadership the department honors. An acting district chief who was on scene described the rescue in detail: "He wrapped a rope around his throw rope bag, wrapped the rope around his forearm, went over the edge into the water, and swam out to the boy." Presenters said the river was swollen and the child had only seconds before fatigue would have caused him to let go.

Kinzenbach and other speakers credited quick, coordinated action by firefighters and police. The department thanked partners at the Des Moines Police Department and said officers on scene helped identify the child's location and provided equipment used in the rescue. Presenters characterized the decision to enter the river as decisive and made from a culture of training and trust among crew members.

The department noted the Medal of Honor has not been presented since 2015 and described the award as recognition not only of one act but of a standard of service. The medal and accompanying lifesaving awards were presented at the awards ceremony attended by Mayor Connie Boesen and city leadership.