Share on LinkedIn

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) has announced that the recipient of the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Writers Bronze Award is retired Fort Johnson Fire Chief Dr. Michael Louis Kuk, author of “Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971.”

The award acknowledges authors who have made outstanding contributions to preserving the written history of America’s Fire Service.

“Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971” is an account of Kuk’s experience as a combat firefighter in Vietnam, serving with the U.S. Army. It tells the story of how a small contingent of soldier-firefighters stationed in a combat zone tirelessly supported the war effort.

President Robby Trahan, the Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid Association, presents the Benjamin... — President Robby Trahan, the Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid Association, presents the Benjamin Franklin Award to Chief Michael Kuk (left). Chief Trahan commands the Ward 1 Fire Protection District 1 in Lake Charles.(National Fire Heritage Center)

“It wasn’t a glamourous war-hero position,” Kuk writes. “But it required bravery and courage to face and overcome other hazards the war could present. A misstep would result in serious injury and/or death if these soldier-firefighters did not perform to the highest standard so required.”

The chair of the NFHC review panel, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Dorner, commended the author’s work for offering “the fire service a unique perspective of military firefighting in a combat zone, a subject that has not been previously explored. The book resonates with readers, shedding light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes.”

Dr. Kuk has nearly half a century of experience in firefighting and served as the Senior Fire Chief for the Department of Defense/U.S. Army. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 18 books.

On hand to present the award to Kuk was the President of the Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid Association Robby Trahan who also commands the Ward 1 Fire Protection District 1 in Lake Charles.

“We are delighted to present this well-deserved recognition to Dr. Kuk,” remarked Lt. Col. Dorner. “His book not only honors the heroic actions of soldier-firefighters in Vietnam but also contributes significantly to preserving America’s fire service history.”