98.1 KHAK First Responder Friday Honors Brian Palmer

Every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder during our 'First Responder Friday' segment! 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're honoring Brian Palmer, who was nominated by CeAnn Palmer! The entry reads:

"I am honored to nominate my husband, Brian, for First Responder Friday in recognition of his unwavering dedication to our community. At the end of this month, Brian will have served a combined 25 years across two volunteer fire departments in small rural communities. But the bigger milestone is just around the corner—this December, he will mark 40 years serving as an EMT.

Brian’s journey as a first responder began when he was just 18 years old, running calls with Regional Medical Center. While his service spans multiple departments, the majority of his time has been with the Delhi Volunteer Fire Department & first responders covering Lake Delhi. For 25 years, he has answered countless calls, putting the needs of his community above all else. I have watched him drop everything—whether we were boating on the lake or spending time as a family—because when a call comes in, he responds without hesitation. That’s what a volunteer firefighter/first responder does: community first, always.

One of the most touching moments I witnessed was when Brian received a heartfelt letter from a community member, thanking him for saving her husband’s life. Over the years, he has received many thank-yous, but that’s never been why he does this. Brian serves because it’s who he is. He was born to help others.

The hardest part of this work is what comes after the call—the weight he carries when someone in our community is lost. It’s especially difficult when the loss is a young person, reminding him how fragile life is, especially as a father himself. Yet, despite the challenges, he continues to show up, serve, and give his best to those in need.

Brian embodies the selfless spirit of a first responder, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition."

Congratulations to Brian! We thank you for your dedication and service 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 on our sites. Thank you for your submissions!