The Northland Loses a Brother
Captain Kim
Granholm, age 28, a four-year member of the Esko Fire Department, died in the
line of duty on July 1, 2002 while fighting a vehicle fire on Interstate 35.
According to authorities, an inattentive driver caused a chain reaction
collision, which included several emergency and private vehicles.
Captain Granholm later died at a Duluth hospital.
Esko firefighter Les Liimatainen, a 23 year veteran, suffered a broken
leg and Esko firefighter Scott Prachar, who had one year of service, was treated
for minor injuries and released. An Esko police officer and two motorists were
also injured. The accident was reported around 7:15 a.m.
The driver who allegedly caused the accident was taken into custody and
later released. The
investigation into the accident is continuing and formal charges may be filed at
a later date. Over 1,000 attended Captain Granholm’s funeral on July 5 in Esko.
He is survived by his wife and fellow Esko firefighter, Aliina and two
daughters ages 3 and 9.