Pasadena Star-News (California)
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PASADENA, Calif. — Two veteran Pasadena firefighters were killed Thursday in an off-duty private plane accident in Mexico.
Kenneth Soltis - known as Barney by his peers - was a resident of La Verne with over 20 years experience with the Pasadena Fire Department and a stellar personnel record, fire department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.
He is survived by his wife, Shanna, and three daughters ages 20, 18 and 13. Derderian said Soltis devoted countless hours towards the restoration and operation of the Old Fire Rig, an antique fire engine that is the pride of the department. He was also known as the Fire Department’s handyman for his specialty in carpentry work.
John Kiesow, a 26-year fire department veteran, was a resident of Agua Dulce. He leaves his wife, Verlene, and three grown children, two daughters and a son. Kiesow was an avid airplane enthusiast who was taught to fly at a young age by his father, Bud, a flight instructor, Derderian said.
Fire personnel who worked with him for many years remember their rookie days at the fire station when he would show them how to build and fly model planes and share his passion with them. His enthusiasm for mechanics translated into his work as he was always repairing fire apparatus.
“Even though we are a fairly large department, we are small enough to know each other as family. Department members pride ourselves for always being there to help each other both on- and off-duty,” Fire Chief Dennis J. Downs said Friday. “As veteran firefighters, both Ken and John have instilled pride and integrity in our newer firefighters, who valued their years of history and knowledge.”
Funeral services are pending and will be announced as soon as dates are confirmed.