HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 Recognition of Wayne Kerns ServiceMarch 3, 2014
Springfield Upbeat
Recognition of Wayne Kerns Service to Springfield Christmas Parade
Mayor Lundberg would be recognizing Mr. Kerns contributions and presenting a letter to
his widow, Aiko Kerns.
Wayne Kerns was hired in 1973, promoted to sergeant in 1982 & retired in 2001. He was
one of the original SWAT members and responsible for building the Springfield Police
Department’s early firearms range.
Wayne started leading the parade in 1977 and did so until 2012. The car was a 1941
Plymouth Special deluxe that he bought in the summer of 1977 and restored. Fellow
officers fell over the frame one night while looking for a prowler. When told about it,
Kerns went to see the owner. The body of it was being used as a dog house. He
purchased the frame, body and other parts lying in the yard & rebuilt it. He told the
Register Guard in 1982 that he was willing to lead the parade as long as people didn't tire
of seeing his old car.