Honoring Fire Chief Kerry Koen: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Heart

The phone rang at 1:58 p.m., interrupting the silence. Seeing Kerry Koen’s name —former fire chief of Delray Beach and Boca Raton — I lit up as if my late mother were calling. “Chief, what’s going on?” I said, only to hear his wife, Lynne. “This is not Chief. He passed away in his sleep Friday, [April 11].”

Fire Chief Kerry Koen

My heart sank. It was the third loss I had learned of in 24 hours—alongside retired Boca Raton police Capt. Kevin McCoy and legendary broadcaster Wink Martindale.

Chief Koen, 80, had faced significant health challenges. Some leaders command respect, while others inspire it by how they serve, uplift, and lead with integrity. Chief Koen was the latter.

To know him was to witness dedication, not just in moments of crisis, but in the unseen, tireless efforts that build safer communities. He did not just lead; he lifted. He did not simply command; he connected. He did not just enforce fire codes; he envisioned safer cities, stronger emergency response systems, and a fire department whose impact stretched far beyond the walls of a burning building.

“He was always the same way. He was an innovator, always working to make things better, always working to make sure the public received the best care and his employees were prepared to deal with the job,” said former Delray Beach City Manager David Harden. “He was one of the innovative leaders in the fire service and we were very fortunate to have brought him to Delray Beach from Memphis.”

In the early 1990s, when KOP Mentoring Network (then Knights of Pythagoras) gathered school-aged boys on Saturdays, Chief Koen opened the doors of the old fire station on West Atlantic Avenue for them to meet. He believed in mentoring as much as he believed in safety.

As a reporter at a local daily newspaper, I rarely covered Chief Koen or his department. Yet, I never passed up an opportunity to be in his presence. Upon retiring, I cherished every moment spent with him in his study. An avid reader, he shared stories, leadership wisdom, and insights that surpassed anything I could have learned in a classroom. Each time I pulled out of his driveway, I eagerly anticipated my next visit.

For decades, he led fire departments into a new era of innovation. It was not just about extinguishing flames—it was about igniting change. Under his leadership, firefighters anticipated emergencies, prepared meticulously, and improved safety standards. He championed automatic fire sprinkler systems, advanced life support training, and cutting-edge equipment.

But his greatest legacy was not in policies. It was in people.

To his firefighters, he was not just “Chief.” He was a mentor, a friend, and a protector. He believed in them, fought for them, and challenged them to be better—not just for their own careers, but for the people whose lives depended on their skill and courage. His leadership was not distant; it was personal. He took the time to know the men and women who served under him, understanding not just their roles but their dreams, their families, their struggles.

“He was the only chief I respected,” said retired Lt. Randy Straghn, who served Delray Beach for 25 years. “He was honest, you could trust him. He was fair, he was cordial, and he genuinely cared about the people. He would always ask, ‘How is the family? How are you doing?’”

He instinctively knew when morale needed a boost, when a firefighter needed encouragement, and when a community needed reassurance. His presence was a compass in crisis.

Even after his fire service career, Chief embraced his passions. Photography was not just a hobby—it was his way of capturing life’s fleeting beauty. His sunrise shots reminded us to cherish each day.

He was also a man of deep faith — a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His service extended beyond his title, woven into daily kindness, leadership, and community involvement.

“He was efficient, transparent, and open,” said Yvonne Odom, who got to know him well when he selected eight residents in 2001 to lead an initiative honoring Alfred ‘Zack’ Straghn’s efforts in integrating the city’s beach. “He never made decisions until he ran it by the group. He practiced what he preached.”

Chief Koen leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and unwavering compassion. He shaped generations of firefighters, strengthened communities, and touched countless lives.

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at North Creek Presbyterian Church in Coconut Creek, with services at 11 a.m. Interment follows at 11 a.m. on May 3 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis.

Fire Chief Kerry Koen did not just serve — he shaped, inspired, and protected. His flame will never be extinguished in the hearts of those who knew him. 

C. Ron Allen can be reached at 561-665-0151or [email protected].