Erik Thomas Samuel Kreppein, 63, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

He was the beloved husband of Judith Parson Kreppein; father of K’Cee Kreppein Ortiz (Rafael), Ehren Kreppein King (Lee), Kire C. Kreppein, and stepson, Brad A. D’Alfonso (Jessica). He was the son of the late Herbert C. Kreppein and June Rose Peters Kreppein and brother of Areme Kreppein Marks (Carlos) and the late Herbert C. Kreppein II. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jourdan, Kruz, Jordan, Jaylen, Collin, Austin, and Aubrey, and a nephew, Max Marks.

Erik was a native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Slidell. He was a graduate of Brother Martin High School Class of 1974, a member of Sons of American Legionnaires at American Legion Post 374 on Carey Street in Slidell.

Erik began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Slidell in the 1980s and in 1992 he was hired on full-time with St. Tammany Fire District #1. He was trained and certified as a Firefighter I, II, and III, pump operator, hazardous materials, and emergency medical responder. But his true passion was in the field of fire investigation and inspection, which he became certified in by attending courses at L.S.U., University of Alabama, the National Fire Academy, and the International Association of Fire Investigators.

Erik was always comfortable working with the public, whether it was a building inspection, explaining a code violation, building concern, a classroom full of children, or a neighborhood gathering at a National Night Out against crime event.

Erik was passionate about and excelled at his job. He received two Firefighter of the Year awards, as well as several Community Service Awards, both here in Slidell and in many other areas of the country, helping to rebuild after disasters and for his work with New York Says Thank You Organization.

Erik was always a person who could be counted on to help those in need. He never needed prompting. He just said, “I’m in!!”