Missouri remembers eight firefighters who died in the line of duty
KINGDOM CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson proclaimed October 8 as Fire Service Day in Missouri.
The Firefighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri hosted its 21st Annual Memorial Service Sunday. Families and loved ones gathered to remember the lives of their loved ones who lost their lives rescuing others.
Eight men were added to the monument wall that is dedicated to firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community.
- Rickey Lee Hobbs, Waynesville Rural FPD, last call Sept. 14, 2021.
- James Dale Jenkins, Belgrade Vol. FPD, last call Dec. 3, 2021.
- Gregory James Thompson, Lakeview Heights FPD, last call Jan. 6. 2022.
- Benjamin James Polson, St. Louis Fire Dept., last call Jan. 13, 2022.
- Kevin Lawrence Cremer, Festust Fire Dept., last call Jan. 24, 2022.
- Donald Mark Kisner, Hurley FPD, last call Feb. 5, 2022.
- Robert Lee Moore, Kennett Fire Dept., last call Dec. 4, 2022.
"Each name edge onto the solemn. Yet, the proud walls of our state monument is a testament to a life lived with valor," said Captain Garon Mosby with the St. Louis Fire Department.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 96 firefighters sustained fatal injuries while on duty in 2022. Firefighter fatalities have not been that high since 2013, when it was reported 98 firefighters dead in that year.
Missouri has more than 22,000 firefighters on call.
"We just know that members of the fire service will be there, no matter the sacrifices they must make or the dangers they may face, in order to protect those in need. We will never forget the dedicated members of the fire service who paid the ultimate price for their commitment to assisting their fellow Missourians, and we thank their families and loved ones for their selfless service," said Parson in a news release.
