Making a difference: Firefighter Kaile Bauhof

A desire to serve the public runs deep through firefighter Kaile Bauhof’s family. He is the fifth generation to enter public service. His relatives, including his dad, were Cleveland police officers.

Bauhof moved with his family to Sheffield Lake in 2011. He graduated from Brookside High School.

He joined Cleveland EMS for five years, earning his paramedic certification from Life Care during that stint. He completed Firefighter II training last year through the Lorain County Fire Chiefs Association and was then hired by Sheffield Lake. He is completing his first year with the department.

Bauhof is enthusiastic about working in his home community. “I have a lot of family and friends here. I believe Sheffield Lake offers great care and I wanted to be part of that,” he said.

On December 17, Bauhof was one of three Sheffield Lake firefighter responding to a mutual aid call for a house fire in Sheffield Village. Bauhof worked with fellow firefighter Dan Forror to search the burning home for possible fire victims. Despite dangerous conditions that placed them at great risk, they saved the lives of two unconscious people they found during their search. Asked about the dangers he faced that day, Bauhof said he did not recall any jangled nerves. “When you get there, it just happens. It feels natural.” For his heroism, Bauhof was awarded the Medal of Gallantry. At the award ceremony during a ciy council meeting, Fire Chief David Novak cited Bauhof’s courage, bravery and stamina. “I know he is at the beginning of what will be a great career,” the Chief said of Bauhof.

Bauhof and his wife live in Sheffield Lake.