Darwin Boelts

Firefighter's scholarship perpetuates legacy, helps others

Darwin Boelts never doubted his decision to become a firefighter. It was his passion, which led him to encourage others to consider it. His own inspiration made it easy.

That enthusiasm never flagged in his 30 years with the Waterloo Fire Department. Sadly, shortly after retiring at age 55, Darwin was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died on July 12, 2019.

But his legacy lives on, thanks to the Darwin D. Boelts Memorial Scholarship established by his wife, Maribeth, with the Kirkwood Foundation. It's the perfect honor for a man who loved helping others; it funds and supports students in Kirkwood's Fire Science program.

Maribeth credits her sister Judith Wightman (also married to a firefighter) with suggesting the scholarship in Darwin's name to help others become firefighters.

"I thought that was a great idea," Maribeth says. "It seems very fitting for him. He really believed in the work. He was proud of his job and enjoyed learning the science of fire."

When Maribeth and Darwin were dating, he decided to pursue firefighting. He completed
his training through Hawkeye Community College and the Iowa Firefighting Academy and was also certified as a paramedic.

Throughout his career, Darwin rarely discussed fire scenes, Maribeth recalls. After one horrible fire that killed a mother and two children, he never spoke of it. But he was deeply sad and quiet, she says.

"He was really humble," Maribeth remembers. "He was quiet but he had a lot of courage."

Many cancers are now associated with firefighting because of the chemicals firefighters are exposed to - from structure fires that release toxic chemicals and some of the materials used to suppress fires. Darwin knew that, Maribeth says, and yet he had no regrets.

"There are a lot of risks," she explains. "But he said he would do it all over again. He was a positive, forward-thinking person."

After his diagnosis, Darwin researched the cancers now linked to firefighting. Some states now provide firefighters with healthcare coverage after retirement.
Darwin helped pursue that for Iowa firefighters. A legislative bill providing five years' coverage for retired firefighters passed the House this year and should reach the Senate this fall.

Family members helped fund Darwin's scholarship when it was established in 2019; last year it was fully funded, so it has already begun to provide financial support to Kirkwood Fire Science students.

Maribeth misses Darwin fiercely, she says, and stays in touch with his fellow firefighters. The scholarship keeps his spirit alive.

"I got my first 'thank you' from a student this spring," Maribeth says with a smile. "That is really meaningful to me. I will save every one of those I get."