98.1 KHAK First Responder Friday Honors Matt Kunkle

Each Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder. The weekly honoree receives a $25 gift card to Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and a $25 gift card to Honor and Respect.

Today we honor Matt Kunkle, who was nominated by several different people! Here are the entries:

• "Matt is my father, and he is not only the best dad, but he’s also been a firefighter/paramedic for 29 years. He’s the most kind and hard working man you’ll meet. He’s saved countless lives, including babies and children. He’s looked up to by many and loves spending time with his children and grandchildren. I’ve witnessed him help multiple elders in public when he’s seen them having a hard time walking into stores, getting into their cars, carrying their groceries, etc. He’s the most deserving man you’ll ever meet! I’ve attached below a photo of him, along with a dog he saved from a fire. He went to visit it at the shelter to check in and make sure it was healthy, and he did attempt to adopt. However, the dog unfortunately passed away." - Morgan Kunkle
• "Matt has been with CRFD since 1996, he is very compassionate and dedicated to his job." - Nicki Mahan
• "My son has been a firefighter and a paramedic for almost 30 years. He is so kind and helpful and loves what he does. I know his kids and grandkids really look up to him." - Connie Leahy
• "Matt lives his life around his job as a first responder. He is very dedicated
  to his job." - Ken Leahy
• "Hard working and family oriented! He’s very deserving of this award!" - Alexis Klemme
• "Matt is my older sister's dad. He’s not only a first responder, but he’s also a great dad. He is not my dad, but he has invited me to do many things with my sisters and him so I feel included. He took me to a really cool museum in Chicago because he was taking them, and he’s gotten me presents for my birthday and Christmas for many years. He is the best, and he really deserves it." - Brooklyn Mahan

Congratulations to Matt! We thank him for his service and dedication to our community!

Our First Responder Friday winners are selected from nominations submitted by you! You can make a nomination below. When including your photo, please keep in mind that any kids in the picture need to be your own. Please let us know if we have parental permission to post the children, otherwise their faces will be covered when the photo is published to our sites. Thank you for your submissions!