GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Green Bay community laid one of its firefighters to rest Thursday.
Lt. Tyler Kreiter, a 43-year-old engineer/paramedic and 17-year Green Bay Metro Fire Department veteran, died last week after a 3.5 year battle with Synovial Sarcoma.
The funeral service for Kreiter was held at Celebration Church on Humboldt Road.
Family, friends, and firefighters from across the region filled the church Thursday to pay their final respects.
Kreiter was remembered as a man who made everyone else feel like they were the most important person in the room.
“Tyler was an influencer. Tyler influenced everybody he was around. He was a light at times in a dark room and when you were around Tyler, you felt different, you felt better,” said Pastor Bob Wetzler, one of the department’s chaplains.
Posthumously promoted to lieutenant during his funeral service, Kreiter had turned down the opportunity for the promotion as he battled cancer.
Chief Matthew Knott said, “Tyler cared so much about the well-being of others. He felt such a strong responsibility his actions didn’t negatively effect anyone. He thoughtfully weighed his options and ultimately decided to pass on the opportunity, believing that stepping back was the best way to serve the department and those around him.”
Lt. Tyler Kreiter’s helmet reflects his rank after being posthumously promoted. (Photo courtesy Green Bay Metro Fire Dept.)
Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich declared Thursday at Lt. Kreiter Day in the city. He said, “Tyler’s impact on his family, friends and the entire Green Bay community is immeasurable. His selflessness, kindness and strength in the face of adversity inspired all who knew him.”
Kreiter’s final call came over the scanner in the church. A dispatcher said, “Having heard no response from Lt. Kreiter, we know that Tyler has responded to his last call on Earth and that the fire department in Heaven has a new responder.”
We thank you for your service and dedication and ultimate sacrifice. Rest in Peace, brother and go with God. We will take it from here.
At the conclusion of the service, Lt. Kreiter’s casket was loaded onto Engine 461, a rig from Fire Station 6 where he worked.
A silent procession of several dozen apparatus carried Kreiter one last time through the city he proudly and honorably served.
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