Firefighter passing. Please keep them and AFD in your thoughts this Thanksgiving. It’s been hard on the fire family.

It’s with a heavy heart that I share the tragic loss of Firefighter Randy Wayne Kohutek, a 16-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department and an Army veteran. Randy dedicated his life to serving others, both in the military and in the fire service. He was a loving husband, father to two young daughters, and a valued member of our AFD family.

This Thanksgiving, please keep Randy’s family, friends, and the Austin Fire Department in your thoughts. Tragedies like this remind us how precious life is and how important it is to lean on one another for support.

If you’re able, reach out to those in your life who may be struggling—it’s a tough time for many. Let’s honor Randy’s memory by taking care of each other and standing together as a community.