DES MOINES, Iowa — Law enforcement from across the metro gathered to honor the service of Norwalk Fire Department’s Captain Doug Richardson.

Norwalk Fire Department Captain Doug Richardson died unexpectedly on January 28th. Wednesday, friends and family gathered at Lutheran Church of Hope to honor his life and years of service.

Throughout his 28 years of public service, Doug worked with several agencies and held several positions, including firefighter, medical dispatcher, reserve police officer and public safety manager.

Those who knew him best, said Richardson’s life of public service started at a young age.

“Doug actually ended up with a job at eight years old and was seen riding his bike like the wind towards the fire station when there was a call because his job, thanks to his dad who was on the department, was to close the doors after the trucks left,” said retired Assistant Fire Chief Tony Collins, Clive Police Department.

Richardson dedicated his life to Norwalk and public service, but his greatest joy was his friends and family.

“He was a public servant, best friend, son, teacher, uncle, husband,” said friend Jeff Caldwell.
“This guy who would drop everything for anyone, many times with a laugh, but most importantly, this man for whom, despite having what seemed like 100 jobs, had one job that was his most important pursuit in his life, and that was as a father.”

“His family was always put first, and he cherished his role as a father, a son, a partner, an uncle that always came first,” said Sergeant Paul Parizek, Des Moines Police Department. “Doug did life right, and he did it with a smile on his face.”

Those who loved him most will have constant reminders of his legacy as a serviceman.

One of Doug’s many roles was as a public safety manager for Des Moines Public Schools. There, he helped lay the foundation for a program which could help save countless lives.

“We had just started to work together on a Stop the Bleed project through Polk County Health Emergency Preparedness, where we will be installing just under 200 new cabinets with kits throughout our buildings and athletic facilities,” said Melissa Abbott, Des Moines Public Schools health Services manager.

“I am continuing to move forward with this project and want to share for the first time that we will be dedicating this project in remembrance of Doug.”

This dedication is just one way that Doug’s legacy will live on.

Doug leaves behind his fiancé and her two children, his parents and sister, and his two children.