ROCK SPRINGS — Motorists were on high alert when they heard the sirens and pulled over to make room. They witnessed a motorcade stretched out from the Northwest end of Dewar Drive to Center Street. Taking the lead was a yellow fire truck. It displayed a helmet and firefighter gear bearing the name of a comrade being honored on this clear, sunny, unusually sweltering day.
The procession cruised slowly towards the SCM Parish Center.
People from across Sweetwater County and Wyoming turned out for a processional and memorial service to bid farewell to Kevin Hafner on Saturday, May 4.
The days leading up to the ceremony were filled with an outpouring of grief and gratitude for the service of Hafner, and support for his loved ones. The public memorial service and processional gave both those in his close inner circle and residents who never met him a chance to say goodbye.
According to the obituary on Vase Funeral Home’s website, Kevin Todd Hafner, 56, passed away Monday, April 29, at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs. He was a lifelong resident of Rock Springs.
He was born February 7, 1968, in Rock Springs, Wyoming; the son of Henry Albert Hafner and Jonelle Marie Bozner.
He attended schools in Rock Springs and was a 1986 graduate of Rock Springs High School.
He married Tracy Lynn Sturgeon on September 19, 2015, in Cora, Wyoming.
He worked for the Rock Springs Civic Center, City of Rock Springs Recreation Department, Western Wyoming Community College Aquatics Center and spent the last 23 years as a firefighter for City of Rock Springs Fire Department.
Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson said, “Our city is deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Hafner. We ask you to hold him, his family, and his brothers and sisters in our fire department in your hearts and prayers.
“Remember him for his service and kindness by helping each other.”
In a public newsletter from the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, Rick Lee, CEO and a longtime friend of Hafner, expressed that he is “heartbroken” because Hafner has been his friend since childhood.
“I’ve known him and his sister since we were young. His kids know my kids and his parents knew my parents,” said Lee. “Death is always difficult to navigate. This one hurts exceptionally.”
He added, “Kevin Hafner is not just one of our great local heroes who served all of us as a champion first responder, he also was a tough guy with a kind heart. His smile lit up the room and his persona will be sorely missed.”
During the service, Rock Springs Fire Chief Jim Wamsley said Hafner “exemplified the truest characteristic of a firefighter.”
“The efforts and skills he developed served him well throughout his career,” Wamsley added.
He also noted that Hafner was “a devout Star Wars fan.” The processional and memorial service was held on ‘Star Wars Day,’ which is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate the Star Wars media franchise. Wamsley played a sample of the Star Wars theme song after his tribute to Hafner.
He enjoyed golfing, playing pickleball, racquetball, and handball, side by side rides, hunting at the family cabin, and spending time with his family.
According to loved ones, he had a smile that was contagious, and you could always count on him to be teasing or joking with someone. He was always willing to help the community and made new friends wherever he went. He never shied away from a project or an opportunity to teach his kids how to do things right.
Survivors include his wife, Tracy Hafner of Rock Springs; three sons, Konner Hafner; Gunnar Ewald; Landon Ewald; two daughters, Kia Hafner; Carrie Sturgeon; two brothers, Michael Hafner and wife Denise of Port Charlotte, Florida; Cory Hafner and wife Cassie of Rock Springs; one sister, Cynthia “Cindy” Hafner of Rock Spring; nieces and nephews, Michael Paul Hafner and wife Katie; Adison Hafner and wife Johanna; Haley Hafner; Corryn Hafner; Hadley Hafner; Dylen Turcato; Jasmine Turcato; as well as several cousins.
Hafner was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.
At the closing of the service, an end of watch call or last radio call was heard by all. Friends, colleagues and family members wept as a dispatcher issued one last call to Hafner.
His loved ones also witnessed the sacred way in which firefighters send a brother home; a bell was rung, with three tolls per ring to mark Hafner’s passing.
His wife Tracy shared that he was an amazing man, a wonderful husband, dad, son, and brother.
“He was truly one of the good ones,” she said. “He didn’t know a stranger, loved hard and played hard. He loved living in Rock Springs and being a Rock Springs firefighter.”
She said, “Our hearts are broken and there will be many tough days ahead. The Hafner Family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love and support we have received.”
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