Honorary Street Sign - Dave (Dutch) Koehler Blvd.

Home Browse Search

South Bend Board of Public Works 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316 The presentation, and introduction to request the honorary naming of a street in memory of South Bend Fire Captain David Koehler. . Dave lost his battle with brain cancer in August of 2019, he was a lifelong citizen of South Bend. Dave was a graduate of Lasalle High School where as a student athlete he was a member of the swim team. Dave joined the fire department in 1987, where he became a member of the department's dive team. Being assigned to Fire Station Two for a number of years, Dave was a boat operator. Dave was promoted to the rank of Captain and became the officer of Station Four C shift, Captain Dave remained the officer of Station Four until his death in twenty nineteen. Dave was also a husband, father, loyal friend, and committed servant to the city of South bend. Dave was a lifelong resident of -South bend, having been raised on Riverside drive, moving to Portage ave, and in time purchasing a home in the historic area of Hill street where he raised his family. David believed in giving back, he volunteered as the swimming coach at his alma mater la salle high school. Continuing his education by attending Indiana state university at South Bend,where he was working towards a teaching degree, he also continued to reach out and assist others. How a single man could do so much with twenty four hours in a day is a question that has not been answered. David had no Limits to giving back, he often worked out with, and trained paralympics gold medalist James Milliken. David giving had professional football player Danny Pinter recognize him in a game played on December 6, 2021 by having his name, and likeness painted onto a pair of game cleats. Giving a firehouse tour to visiting children was always a treat for both children, and Dave, there was always something extra for Dave to share with his diving equipment as well as the fire fighting equipment, this allowed the children to see different views of the fire department. Dave was loyal to a fault, he was committed to the citizens in his district, he often went out of his way to assist others on or off duty. Dave shared what he learned as a firefighter with younger members of the department. Dave was a member of the internationally recognized South Bend river rescue school. As a member of the river rescue school Dave met, and trained thousands of fire fighters from across the United States, and Canada never having one leave a stranger. An inviting smile, and friendly disposition made Dave a favorite among instructors of the river rescue school, his commitment, professionalism, and knowledge was a calming voice that made the most nervous of students relax.