In December 1999, John Tvedten, Jr. KCFD Battalion Chief died in the line-of-duty while battling a warehouse fire on the city’s eastside. Kansas City’s own Secret Santa thought it would nice to start an award in John’s name and created the Tvedten Angel Award. Each year since John’s untimely death, Secret Santa and his Elves have presented someone with the Tvedten Angel Award.
In late 2006, Kansas City finally learned the true identity of Secret Santa after he became very ill and that is when Kansas City finally met Larry Stewart. The news media shared the story of this very humble man and how he was down and out and had no money. One day while sitting in a diner eating without a dime to his name, the owner of that diner asked him if this was his $20.00 bill lying on the floor. Larry Stewart never forgot this man and worked hard to turn his life around. After finally getting on top and becoming a successful business man he decided he wanted to give back to others and spent the rest of his life doing just that. You can read more about Secret Santa at his website.
In early 2007, Larry Stewart left this world and is now one of Santa’s helpers in heaven. Since his passing his tradition of giving the Tvedten Angel Award has been carried on by two of his Elves. On Thursday, December 18, 2009, the Tvedten Angel Award was given to Kansas City, MO Fire Captain Chris Joiner and his wife Suzie at Station 17. Captain Joiner was seriously burnt over 30% of his body and sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns while battling a structure fire at 30th and Highland on October 18, 2009. This news story and video are available at KMBC.com.
Captain Joiner was hospitalized over a month as a result of his burns and has another 3 to 4 months of therapy. Chris has vowed to return to full duty when he finally is released by his doctors and we wish him a very speedy recovery. Please join us in congratulating the Joiner family on receiving this award and we wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
