Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri – Fallen Missouri firefighters will be honored this weekend during two services at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.
On Saturday, May 18, at 9 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held for all Missouri firefighters who have died while serving their communities.
On Sunday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m., the names of three Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2012 will be added to the monument wall commemorating Missouri firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting citizens of the state. Forty other Missouri firefighters who have passed away during 2012 will also be remembered during the ceremonies.
“Every day, Missouri’s career and volunteer firefighters demonstrate their dedication to their communities by selflessly running to danger as their fellow citizens run from danger to safety,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “It is important that we remember, recognize and honor the courageous service of those who in acting to protect others made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“The brave men and women of the fire service risk their lives each time they answer the alarm bell,” said Missouri State Fire Marshal Randy Cole. “We remember those who did not return from their final call, and we extend our thanks and support to the families they left behind.”
The firefighters whose names will be added to the Fire Fighters Line of Duty Memorial Wall are:
·Senior Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Haase Sr., age 60, St. Charles Fire Department, Feb. 1, 2012. Firefighter Haase experienced a medical emergency shortly after returning from an emergency call. He had been in the fire service for 27 years.
·Fire Chief Eddy Wayne Meador, age 54, Pattonsburg Fire and Rescue Protection District, Dec. 8, 2012.
Chief Meador passed away at his home from a medical emergency after responding to several emergency incidents that day. He had been in the fire service for 35 years.
·Firefighter Jeffrey Hudson, age 46, St. Louis Fire Department, Dec. 12, 2012.
Firefighter Hudson suffered a fatal medical emergency while on duty at the firehouse. He had been in the fire service for 18 years.
Both events will take place at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, which is located one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection (I-70 Exit 148) in Kingdom City, Mo. There are plans to build a firefighters museum on the site. Donations to the Firefighters Memorial Foundation and the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri can be made to support the memorial.
