USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.30.2020

On Saturday evening, June 27, 2020, Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Ron Wehlage, Jr., 40, responded to a residential fire.  After his work duty ended on Sunday morning, June 28, 2020, he returned home.  On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, he did not show up for his next shift.  Someone was sent to check on him and found Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Wehlage deceased at his home from an apparent heart attack.  Individuals attempted to contact Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Wehlage on Sunday, June 28, 2020, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

  

Our condolences to Wehlage Family & Friends, De Soto Rural Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Ron Wehlage, Jr.'s passing.

   

To date, 42 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 05.07.2020

On May 7, 2020, at approximately 1300hrs, Firefighter/Hazmat Technician David F. Jameson, Jr., 52, from the Independence Fire Department, responded to a report of a residential fire.  Upon arrival, he was not feeling well and was experiencing shortness of breath.  He remained in the truck while others addressed the fire, which was determined to be an illegal open burn.  When the crew returned to the pumper, Firefighter/Hazmat Technician Jameson became unresponsive.  Medical care was immediately provided and he was transported to the Centerpoint Medical Center where he later passed away.  The cause of death has not yet been determined.

  

Our condolences to Jameson Family & Friends, Independence Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/Hazmat Technician David F. Jameson, Jr.'s passing.

   

To date, 35 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 01.05.2020

On Sunday, January 5, 2020, at approximately 1104hrs., Firefighter Charles “Chuck” McCormick, 30, responded to a residential structure fire.  When Firefighter McCormick entered the structure, the floor collapsed and he fell into the basement.  He was rushed to the Belton Regional Medical Center where he later passed away from the injuries he sustained in the fall.

Our condolences to the McCormick Family & Friends, East West Peculiar Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter Charles “Chuck” McCormick‘s passing.

   

To date, 01 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.08.2019

Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Moore, 42,  was on duty at the fire station on Thursday, June 6, 2019, and Friday, June 7, 2019.  He responded to several fire and EMS calls during his 48 hour shift.  He complained of not feeling well in the late morning of Friday, June 7, 2019, and was relieved of duty to go home and rest.  He stated that he was going to follow-up with his personal physician.  He was found deceased Saturday morning, June 8, 2019, at his residence.  Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Our condolences to the Moore Family & Friends, Maryland Heights Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Moore’s passing. 

   

To date, 20 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2019. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 10.04.2018

On Oct. 3, 2018  Firefighter Russell Hayes, 62, while driving a department truck, was on his way to have a pump inspected for annual certification. Hayes lost control of the vehicle, veered to the right side of the road, then overcorrected as he tried to get back, causing it to travel off the left side of the road and overturn. Firefighter Hayes was air lifted to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO, where he later died from injuries sustained in the accident.
   
Our condolences to the Hayes Family & Friends, El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Russell Hayes’ passing. 

   

To date, 70 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.12.2017

Fire Captain John Kemper, 59, was injured while battling a structure fire at 3622 Pennsylvania Ave on the morning of July 5, 2017. Fire Captain Kemper was transported to the hospital to be treated for a shoulder injury but it was discovered that he had instead suffered a more serious injury and, soon thereafter, underwent surgery. Fire Captain Kemper was released from the hospital and while recovering at home, passed away from reported complications of his injury.

Our condolences to the Kemper Family & Friends, St. Louis Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Captain Kemper's passing. 

To date, 55 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 06.19.2017

On  June 19, 2017 Firefighter Jeffery Mason Sanders, 55, was killed and another firefighter was injured when they were struck by a privately owned vehicle while working at the scene of a “wires down” call. The private vehicle crashed into the rear of another private vehicle stopped on a roadway behind a fire department vehicle. The fire department vehicle then struck the two firefighters who were nearby, trapping them underneath as it went down an embankment and stopped. Firefighter Sanders was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second firefighter, 33-year-old Jacob Hayward, was flown to the Research Medical Center in Kansas City with critical injuries.

Our condolences to the Sanders Family & Friends, Mayview Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter Jeffery Mason Sanders’ passing.

  

To date, 50 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 05.29.2017

On May 29,2017 Firefighter Jesse Ketchum, 33, was responding to an outdoor (field) fire call when the fire apparatus he was operating crashed while negotiating a curve and overturned several times, ejecting Ketchum and a passenger in the vehicle. Firefighter Ketchum died at the scene from injuries sustained and the passenger, John Chancellor, was treated and flown to the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, with serious injuries. According to initial reports, seat belts were not in use at the time of the crash.

Our condolences to the Ketchum Family & Friends, City of Memphis Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Jesse Ketchum’s passing. 
  

To date, 44 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 09.24.2016

Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin, 46, on September 24, 2016 at 1250hrs, was found unresponsive while on-duty at West County EMS & Fire Protection District Station 2. Fellow responders initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of Firefighter/Paramedic McMullin's fatal injury have not been reported.

  

Our condolences to the McMullin Family & Friends, West County EMS & Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin’s passing.       

  

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.24.2016

On  August 24, 2016 at 1737hrs, Assistant Fire Chief Todd L. Hartlein, 49, suffered a fatal medical emergency shortly after responding to a vehicle crash.

  

Our condolences to the Hartlein Family & Friends, Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Todd L. Hartlein's passing.     

  

To date, 53 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.24.2016

Firefighter Edward Austin Cosgrove, Jr., 53, on July 24, 2016 at 1115hrs, responded to a recreational vehicle on fire. On arrival, Firefighter Cosgrove was performing or assisting with hoseline advancement to perform fire suppression, when he became ill. Emergency care was initiated at the scene and Firefighter Cosgrove was transported to a local hospital in cardiac arrest where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

  

Our condolences to the  Cosgrove Family & Friends, Green Township Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Firefighter Edward Austin Cosgrove’s passing.   

  

To date, 47 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Two Kansas City Fire Department, Missouri Firefighters On-Duty Death Notification 10.12.2015

October 12, 2015 at 1927hrs, Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio, 43, and Firefighter John V. Mesh, 39, died from injuries sustained in a structural collapse while working at the scene of an apartment building fire.

Multiple units were dispatched at 1927hrs on initial calls that indicated fire visible from the structure; additional units were dispatched as the incident escalated, with a full second alarm requested shortly after arrival.  Tactical assignments were made, including establishing a Rapid Intervention Team, and crews began operating to effect fire suppression and occupant rescue, rescuing multiple occupants by ladder prior to deteriorating conditions and forcing a shift to defensive operations.   



Evacuation was ordered at 1952hrs.  At approximately 2007hrs, a collapse was reported on the east side of the building.  Two MAYDAY calls were received from the collapse area, indicating firefighters in urgent distress; four firefighters were reported trapped by the collapse.  The Rapid Intervention Team witnessed the collapse and held their ground for no more than 10 seconds until Command ordered them to effect the rescue. They located, uncovered and removed several firefighters from the immediate area. The first ambulance transporting a firefighter departed the scene at approximately 2013hrs, arriving at Truman Medical Center (TMC) approximately five minutes later.  A second emergency transport left the scene at approximately 2021hrs with arrival at TMC five minutes following.  Both those firefighters, Fire Apparatus Operator Leggio and Firefighter Mesh, were pronounced dead at the hospital after paramedics, nurses and doctors had attempted to revive them.  A third firefighter was transported to University of Kansas Medical Center at 2023hrs and a fourth transported non-emergency to St Luke’s at approximately 2027hrs; their condition is still to be reported.
   
The cause of the fatal fire is being investigated by local, state, and federal authorities.

         

Our condolences to the Leggio and Mesh Families & Friends, Kansas City Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio's and Firefighter John V. Mesh's passing.

To date, #66 & #67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Missouri Engineer-Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 05.03.2015

On May 3, 2015 at 0200hrs, Engineer-Firefighter Larry Wayne Lawhorn, 60, responded to a mutual aid structure fire when the fire department tanker he was driving left the roadway and came to a rest in a field. Firefighter Lawhorn, who was alone in the vehicle, was found by other emergency responders as they were returning from the fire call. Resuscitative efforts were attempted but Lawhorn was pronounced dead at the scene from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

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Our condolences to the Lawhorn Family & Friends, the Orchard Farm Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Engineer-Firefighter Larry Wayne Lawhorn’s passing.

To date, 29 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD – Missouri Fire Chief Notification 10.20.2014

On October 20, 2014 at 1200hrs., Fire Chief Eddie Johnson, Jr., 45, responding to a residential structure fire, Fire Chief Johnson died from injuries sustained in a single motor vehicle accident after he lost control of the police vehicle he was operating. Chief Johnson, the only occupant, was reportedly ejected from the vehicle in the crash.

     
Our condolences to the Johnson Family & Friends, the Alton Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Eddie Johnson, Jr.'s passing.  

To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA: Missouri Firefighter Lieutenant LODD: On-Duty Death 07.20.2013

Lieutenant Matthew Blankenship, 38, , on July 20,2013 at 1724hrs, passed away from injuries one week after sustaining burns over 75 percent of his body resulting from a flashover of a fire in the basement of a two-story residential structure the week prior on July 13, 2013. Lieutenant Blankenship had been in a medically induced coma at the hospital since he suffered the injuries. Two other firefighters injured in the same incident were treated at the hospital and released. The fatal incident remains under investigation by local authorities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Our condolences to the Blankenship Family & Friends, the Marshfield Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Lieutenant Matthew Blankship's passing. 

To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA: Missouri Line Of Duty Death 04.07.2013

Assistant Fire Chief Harold Hollingsworth, a 16-year veteran, on April 4, 2012 at 2143hrs  was en route to a reported structure fire on Atherton Road during a severe thunderstorm Sunday night. Assistant Fire Chief Hollingsworth was involved in a single vehicle accident during this response striking a tree. Assistant Chief Hollingsworth was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment but succumbed to his injuries. 

Harold Hollingsworth survived by a wife and had two sons.

Our condolences to the Hollingsworth Family & Friends, the Fort Osage Fire Protection District and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief Harold Hollingsworth's passing.

To date, 17 firefighter fatalities has been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)