OMAHA – Ralston Fire Chief, and nationally recognized expert on fireworks safety, Kyle Ienn was reportedly found by Omaha police hanging from a bridge on Tuesday morning.
The World-Herald News Service reports that Chief Ienn’s death is being investigated as a suicide. His body was discovered near 69th and Pine Streets. Ienn was 40-years old and had been with the Ralston Fire Department for 22 years. He was chief since 2000.
Chief Ienn was a strong advocate for his department as well as a voice for fireworks safety and preventing smoking related fires. As a spokesman for RentSmokeFree.org, Ienn appeared in public service announcements in the Omaha area. He was also the chief of the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association and board member to the National Council for Fireworks Safety.
Under Ienns’s leadership, the Ralston Fire Department grew to its largest size with 56 members at the end of 2011. He was instrumental in creating the department’s honor guard, which participated in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend ceremonies.
Operations of the Ralston Fire Department are reportedly being handled by Assistant Chief Joe Eischeid. Chief Ienn leaves behind a wife and three children. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ralston Fire Department.
Resources on Firefighter Mental Wellnes:
FirefighterCloseCalls: Personal Survival
NVFC: Firefighter Depression and Suicide
IAFF: No Firefighter Stands Alone
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