Battalion Chief Luke Kimmig of the Sanford Fire Department died on October 17, 2024, from complications of occupational cancer.

Luke was born into a loving and hardworking family, the fifth of ten children, born four minutes after his beloved twin sister, in Casselberry, Florida. Luke’s family moved to Sanford when he was four years old. Growing up he was involved in youth and Seminole High School baseball, and his attachment to the community made his beloved City of Sanford the easy choice as to where he would serve in his fire career.

On September 11, 2006, at age 19, Luke joined the Sanford Fire Department. For 18 years he faithfully served as firefighter, paramedic, apparatus operator, lieutenant, and battalion chief. He ran more than 20,000 emergency calls and served as a key member of specialized teams such as dive, bike, light technical rescue, training, and special operations. He was a Seminole County Sheriff’s Aviation Rescue Swimmer.

Luke was a driven man who recognized that the more he knew, the better he could serve. He earned his EMT and Fire Standards licensure at Seminole Community College. He went on to earn his Paramedic licensure and associate degrees in emergency medical services, fire science, and general education from Seminole State College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration from St. Petersburg College and a Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Services from the University of Florida. He passed on his passion for learning to his cadets as a fire standards instructor at Seminole State College.

In March 2007, Luke married his sweetheart, Lois True. They were blessed with five children and made Central Church in Sanford their home for fellowship and spiritual growth. From childhood, Luke developed a love for God, and his faith was evident in the way he served his family and community. He enjoyed baseball, as well as camping and canoeing in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. His love of country was influenced by his father and grandfathers, who served in the military. He coached his children in youth baseball and taught them to respect our country.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Kimmig; five dear children, Haven, Judah, Titus, Maddox, and Miles; parents, Chuck and Rose Kimmig; his grandmother, siblings, and many other loving family members.

He was brave, kind, and caring. He left behind a large family who loved him dearly. They will hold close all the memories made and will be privileged to share the many stories of him with his children.