Cascade Courier - Your trusted local news source since 1910

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department invites the community to join them in honoring and remembering the sacrifice of Cascade's own fallen hero, Kenneth M. Lemanski, Jr. Ken died of complications from COVID, which he contracted while answering a call in 2021.

Kenneth Lemanski, Jr. was born at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan, to Cynthia and Kenneth Lemanski Sr. on March 13, 1984. At just a few weeks old, Ken moved to Sumter, South Carolina, where he spent the next 18 years of his life until joining the military. He was a proud United States Air Force Veteran with 16 years of honorable service.

Ken was dedicated to serving not only his country, but also his community. He was a key volunteer for the Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department and an active volunteer EMT with the Cascade County I-15 Quick Response Unit.

Ken's family was his greatest joy in life. Ken was a devoted father and loving husband. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 15 years, Crystal Lemanski; children, Abigail (Abby) Lemanski and Theodore (Teddy) Lemanski. He loved spending his time with them more than anything. He loved coaching his kids in whatever sport or activity they were involved in, from being a Girl Scout dad, to wrestling coach and everything in between!

Ken was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Ken also enjoyed the simpler things in life. On summer nights, he could be found sitting on his front porch with his wife, watching the kids play and country music on the radio. Ken enjoyed grilling. If he was at a BBQ, you were guaranteed to find him at the grill. He loved watching NASCAR and college football. GO CLEMSON!!

Ken will always be remembered for his love and support of his family and community. He left a lasting impact, not only in his community, but with just about everyone he met.

There are 144 names of fallen firefighters in the 2023 Roll of Honor. Ken is the only one from Montana.

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Their mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.

Light the Night Week is from April 30-May 7. The Foundation invites landmarks, fire and community organizations, businesses, and homes across the nations to light up red starting on International Firefighters Day, May 4, 2023 and through the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, May 4-7. The red lights are a symbol for fire service. Show your support - light the night for fallen firefighters at your home! The Cascade Fire House will have an open house on May 5, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.