Esme Kenney spent summers with her family far north of Cincinnati, in a beautiful land of lakes in the northwestern region of Ontario, Canada, north of Minnesota.
But not this summer. The 13-year-old girl’s life was cut short in March. Prosecutors blame a man they call a serial killer, now behind bars awaiting trial.
But the townspeople of Sioux Narrows haven’t forgotten the little girl who grew into a teen in a place so small folks know most everyone by first name, including summer residents like Tom and Lisa Kenney.
They remember that just last summer in 2008, Esme and her cousins spent the afternoon with the Sioux Narrows Fire Department, touring their facilities and riding on the truck, according to one family member.
When firefighters heard the news of Esme’s death, they remembered her warmth and enthusiasm and decided to name their brand new fireboat "The Esme Louise" in her memory, according to family and the town’s web site.
Esme’s family joined others from the town and members of the volunteer fire department to dedicated the boat at a special ceremony. The firefighers say they did so because “her young spirit will give courage to those who place their lives in danger for others.”
