Greendale Fire Chief Honored For Help After Fire At Colleague's Home

GREENDALE, WI — Greendale Fire Department Chief Kenten Kais was honored with a Certificate of Merit from the Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars on Monday for helping his colleague after a fire, Greendale Fire Department announced in a Facebook post.

Morgan Parr, 15, nominated Kais after she witnessed the fire at Lt. Mike Schmitt's house in February, the post said. Parr reached out to Kais wanting to help with fundraising for Schmitt's family after the fire, and both worked together to help.

"He's been able to help raise so much money for the Schmitt family, it's unbelievable," Parr told FOX6 News, which reported the story first.

Nobody was injured in the fire, but it nearly rendered the home a "complete loss" and left many possessions destroyed, Kais told Patch in February

SEE ALSO: Greendale Firefighter Gets Called To His Own Burning House

Kais "went above and beyond" when he helped Parr's efforts by including her in fundraising, having her speak at a fundraiser, and attending her school play, Greendale Fire Dept. said.

Parr also helped by designing t-shirts. The two coordinated together for the fundraiser, while Kais encouraged Parr, according to Greendale Fire Dept.

"Chief Kais has been a monumental asset to the Greendale community and this is a perfect example of his kind heart and dedication," Greendale Fire Dept. said.

Greendale VFW Post 10519 presented the award at the Greendale Post 416 American Legion.