A former member of the New Hampton Fire Department has had his name added to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial.

During a ceremony June 8th in Coralville, Brock Schmidt’s name was added to the memorial wall. He served with New Hampton and other Chickasaw County fire departments from 2008 to 2022, from firefighter to Assistant Chief. 

The 41-year-old Schmidt, also an EMT, died unexpectedly in his sleep after returning to the Chickasaw County EMS quarters in New Hampton following a call in March. EMS Director Joel Knutson told KCHA/KCZE Schmidt played an integral part in launching the County-run ambulance service in 2023.

Schmidt is the second Chickasaw County firefighter in recent years to be added to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial.

Ionia firefighter Tony Hoffman is on Line 158 of the “Line of Duty” panel at the memorial after he died from injuries responding to a fire near Ionia in October 2023. The 43-year-old was operating a UTV when he collided with a fire truck.  

Following the death of the 17-year veteran of the Ionia Fire Department, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor.