Andrew Koldeway: Beloved Husband, Father, and Community Hero Remembered for Two Decades of Service, Bravery, and Compassion – Obituary, Death”
The Castle Rock, Colorado community is in mourning after the tragic passing of Firefighter EMT Andrew Koldeway, who died unexpectedly on October 2, 2024, from complications related to a sudden medical condition. At just 44 years old, Andrew’s untimely death has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Castle Rock Fire Department (CRFD). Having spent over two decades in service to his community, Andrew was widely respected for his bravery, dedication, and compassionate nature. His passing has created a profound sense of loss, not only among those closest to him but also throughout the broader community that he so passionately served.
Born on July 8, 1980, in Denver, Colorado, Andrew Koldeway grew up in a family that valued community service, hard work, and loyalty. His parents, Mark and Linda Koldeway, raised him to understand the importance of helping others, a lesson that would come to define Andrew’s life and career. Even as a young boy, Andrew showed a deep sense of responsibility and empathy for those around him. He was always the first to offer help when someone needed it, whether it was assisting a neighbor with yard work or volunteering at local community events.
Andrew attended Castle View High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership on the soccer field, and his ability to make friends easily. Andrew’s teachers and peers often described him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and who possessed an innate sense of duty to those around him. After graduating in 1998, Andrew pursued a degree in fire science at Red Rocks Community College, a path that would ultimately lead him to his life’s work as a firefighter and EMT.
In 2002, Andrew began his career as a firefighter and EMT, joining a fire department in the Denver area. From the very beginning, it was clear that Andrew had found his calling. His dedication to the job and his ability to remain calm under pressure made him a valued member of his team. Over the next 21 years, Andrew worked tirelessly to protect and serve his community, responding to countless emergency calls, saving lives, and offering comfort to those in their most vulnerable moments. His colleagues often remarked on Andrew’s unwavering commitment to his work and his ability to handle even the most challenging situations with grace and composure.
In February 2023, Andrew joined the Castle Rock Fire Department, bringing with him over two decades of experience and a reputation for excellence in emergency response. His arrival at CRFD was met with enthusiasm, as his wealth of knowledge and leadership abilities were seen as an asset to the department. Fire Chief Norris Croom praised Andrew for his immediate impact, saying, “Andrew brought a level of dedication, professionalism, and kindness to every call he responded to. He was a natural leader who led by example, and his presence elevated the entire department. We are heartbroken by his loss, and his absence will be felt for a long time.”
Throughout his career, Andrew received numerous accolades and commendations for his work as a firefighter and EMT. Whether it was responding to house fires, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, Andrew was always on the front lines, ready to put his life on the line to help others. His colleagues described him as someone who could always be relied upon, someone who brought a sense of calm and confidence to even the most chaotic situations. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Andrew was also known for his kindness, his ability to connect with people, and his genuine care for the well-being of those he served.
Outside of his career, Andrew was a devoted husband and father. He married his wife, Sarah, in 2006, and together they built a loving home for their two children, Olivia and Ethan. Andrew’s family was the center of his world, and despite the demands of his job, he always made time for them. He was an active participant in his children’s lives, coaching Olivia’s soccer team and attending Ethan’s school events. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his children adored him. Sarah has expressed her deep sorrow at the loss of her husband, saying, “Andrew was the love of my life. He was an incredible father and husband, and we are devastated by his loss. He always put others before himself, and that’s how I’ll remember him—a selfless, loving, and courageous man.”
Andrew’s love for his family extended to his community, where he was an active volunteer and a well-known figure in Castle Rock. He was involved in local charity events, mentored young firefighters, and often visited schools to teach fire safety to children. His dedication to public service went beyond the fire station, as he believed in giving back to the community in any way he could. His generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others made him a beloved figure in Castle Rock, and his death has left the entire community in mourning.
The suddenness of Andrew’s passing has been difficult for his colleagues at CRFD, many of whom considered him not just a coworker, but a friend and mentor. As Fire Chief Croom noted, “Andrew was a firefighter’s firefighter. He was the person you wanted with you on every call—calm, collected, and incredibly skilled. But more than that, he was a great friend to everyone at the department. His loss is immeasurable, and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
The circumstances surrounding Andrew’s death remain deeply personal for his family. He passed away due to complications from a sudden medical condition, a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be, even for someone as strong and healthy as Andrew. His family has requested privacy during this time of mourning, but they have expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community, colleagues, and friends.
Plans for a public memorial service are underway, with details expected to be shared in the coming days. The Castle Rock Fire Department will coordinate efforts for the community to pay their respects and honor Andrew’s legacy of service. In addition, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Andrew’s family with funeral expenses and to support his children’s future education. The response to the fundraiser has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in from across the state, a testament to the impact Andrew had on so many lives.
In the days following Andrew’s death, tributes have poured in from across the firefighting community and beyond. Many of his fellow firefighters have shared stories of Andrew’s bravery, kindness, and dedication to his work. “Andrew was the kind of firefighter you looked up to,” said one of his colleagues. “He had a way of making everyone feel safe, both on the job and in life. He was a mentor to so many of us, and his legacy will live on in the lessons he taught us. We will miss him more than words can express.”
Another tribute came from a local resident who had been helped by Andrew during an emergency. “I’ll never forget the night Andrew came to our home when we had a fire in the kitchen. He was so calm and reassuring, and he made us feel safe in what was one of the scariest moments of our lives. He saved our home that night, and I will always be grateful to him for that.”
As the Castle Rock community continues to mourn the loss of Andrew Koldeway, his legacy of service, compassion, and bravery will live on. His dedication to protecting others, both on and off the job, is a testament to the kind of person he was—a man who truly embodied the spirit of a firefighter and EMT. Though his time was cut short, the impact he made on the lives of those around him will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Firefighter EMT Andrew Koldeway. Your service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to your community will forever be remembered. You were a true hero, and your memory will live on in the hearts of those you so selflessly served.
