Flags to be flown at half-staff to honor fallen Boone County firefighter Bryant Gladney
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson has ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Boone County, the Firefighter Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City and firehouses statewide Tuesday from sunrise to sunset in honor of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Bryant Gladney.
Parson issued the order Monday, the same day that services began with visitation at the Hearnes Center on the University of Missouri campus.
A semi-truck hit Gladney's fire district vehicle while he was responding to a crash on Interstate 70 east of Columbia early Wednesday, killing him. Witnesses said the driver of the truck, Kevin Bunson, 64, of Kansas City, did not slow down before crashing into Gladney's SUV. No charges have been filed in connection with the crash, which is being investigated.
“We are deeply saddened that Assistant Chief Gladney tragically lost his life answering the call to assist others during an emergency,” Parson said in a statement Monday. “Chief Gladney had devoted his career to selflessly serving the people of Boone County and the State of Missouri. He mentored the next generation of firefighters to ensure they performed their duties safely and maintained the district’s proud traditions. We are grateful for his commitment to public service and are praying for his friends and family during this difficult time."
The funeral will also be held at the Hearnes Center with full-service honors. It's scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
ABC 17 News will carry a live Boone County Fire Protection District stream of the funeral on-air and on its website, but media are not allowed inside the service.
Following Tuesday's service, a procession will take place exiting the Hearne's Center. It will travel onto Stadium Boulevard, head westbound before turning right onto Providence Boulevard, make a left onto Business Loop 70 westbound and conclude at Memorial Funeral Home.
According to the Boone County Fire Protection District's Facebook page, people are encouraged to stand along the procession route to pay their respects.
Gladney worked for the fire district for 25 years and worked in emergency response in Mid-Missouri for more than three decades.
