Memorial ceremonies this weekend will honor Missouri’s fallen firefighters

 

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri’s fire service will hold two memorial services this weekend at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City to honor the state’s fallen firefighters.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held for all Missouri firefighters who have died while serving their communities.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m., a memorial service will be held in which attention will be called to three Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty and whose names have recently been added to the monument wall commemorating Missouri firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow Missourians.

One of the firefighters died in 2023. In addition, two firefighters, whose line of duty deaths from 2021 have recently been confirmed by the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri board, will also be recognized. Other Missouri firefighters who passed away will also be remembered during the ceremonies. 

Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed Oct. 6 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri.

“During my more than six years as Governor and during my time as Polk County Sheriff, I have witnessed the crucial role of Missouri’s fire service in responding to fires and local emergencies on a daily basis as well as the natural disasters that require large-scale responses,” Governor Parson said. “We are all grateful to all our reliable, dedicated responders. We can never repay the debt we owe to the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow citizens, but we must never forget and always honor their memory.” 

“The fire service is a community built on teamwork, tradition and trust; when a firefighter falls, we all grieve and   come together to ensure that they are honored and remembered, and to support the member’s loved ones,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “We will never forget the heroes who paid the ultimate price for the brave service.”    

Both events will take place at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of I-70 Exit 148 for U.S. Highway 54). In case of inclement weather, the events will be moved to Auxvasse Elementary School, 650 E. Harrison St., Auxvasse, MO 65231.

The Missouri Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation Board has approved these additions to the Wall of Honor:

Captain Wynn, a 32-year-veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department, died from contracting of occupational cancer in the line of duty.

Firefighter Russell, a 10-year veteran of the Brumley Fire Protection District, died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Firefighter Ruediger, a 59-year veteran of the New Haven-Berger Fire Protection District, died from an apparent heart attack he suffered following a fire response in the line of duty.

Saturday, Oct. 5

 

WHAT:           Candlelight vigil honoring Missouri firefighters who died serving Missouri’s fire service

 

WHO:              State First Marshal Tim Bean

Leaders of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri

Families and friends of those who died

Firefighters from across Missouri

 

WHERE:          Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection)

 

WHEN:           7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Sunday, Oct. 6

WHAT:           Memorial service honoring Missouri firefighters who died serving Missouri’s fire service

 

WHO:              Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten

State Fire Marshal Tim Bean

                         Leaders of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri

                         Families and friends of those who died

                         Firefighters from across Missouri

 

WHERE:         Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection)

 

WHEN:          10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

 

A livestream of Sunday’s service will be provided on the Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation of Missouri Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MoFireMemorial