Jefferson City, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered the flags to be lowered at every fire station in the state of Missouri and at the Fire Fighters Memorial, located in Kingdom City, Mo. to honor Kansas City Fire Department firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh, who were killed in the line of duty on Monday (Oct. 12).

In addition, the order from Gov. Nixon to lower the U.S. and Missouri flags also includes government buildings in Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties.

“All Missourians mourn the tragic loss of these brave heroes who gave their lives to save the lives of others,” Gov. Nixon said. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the difficult and dangerous circumstances that firefighters face each and every day to save lives and protect our communities. When they see the lowered flags, I ask that Missourians pause to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Larry Leggio and John Mesh and reflect on the dedication of firefighters across our state. Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way for us. Today, and every day, we must stand with them.”

The flags will remain at half-staff through the dates of the funerals for both firefighters