Memorial ceremonies this weekend to honor Missouri’s fallen firefighters
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri’s fire service will hold two memorial ceremonies this weekend in Kingdom City to honor firefighters who died while serving their communities.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, a candlelight vigil will begin at 7 p.m. at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri. The vigil will honor all Missouri firefighters who have died in service.
On Sunday, Oct. 5, a memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the memorial site, where the names of 10 firefighters who recently died in the line of duty have been added to the Wall of Honor. Other Missouri firefighters who passed away will also be remembered.
Gov. Mike Kehoe has proclaimed Sunday, Oct. 5, as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri.
“Missourians are indebted to the members of the fire service who courageously gave their lives in the line of duty,” Kehoe said. “They acted as true heroes, shielding others from harm and protecting homes and businesses.”
State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said the firefighters being honored ranged in age from their twenties to 72.
“Not a day goes by that I am not awed by the commitment and steadfastness of the men and women who make up Missouri’s fire service, and the families who support them,” Bean said.
The Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri Board approved the following additions to the Wall of Honor:
Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben, Boone County Fire Protection District — July 8, 2024
Captain James Cova, Affton Fire Protection District — July 9, 2024
Firefighter William Nix, Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department — Jan. 16, 2025
Captain Christopher Clevenger, West Central Missouri Fire Protection District — Jan. 26, 2025
Captain Vernon Collett, Johnson County Fire Protection District — March 8, 2025
Deputy Chief Donald Kammerich, Pilot Grove Area Fire Protection District — March 10, 2025
Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman, Kansas City Fire Department — April 27, 2025
Firefighter/EMT Matthew Shafer, Lawson Fire-Rescue Protection District — June 4, 2021
Firefighter Larry Harlan, Jonesburg-High Hill Fire Protection District — Aug. 26, 2021
Captain Marcus Maggard, Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department — Jan. 6, 2022
Both events will take place at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, 5550 Dunn Drive in Kingdom City, one block northwest of I-70 Exit 148 for U.S. Highway 54. In the event of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved to Auxvasse Elementary School at 650 E. Harrison St. in Auxvasse.
Sunday’s service will also be livestreamed on the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri Facebook page.
