FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2013


Memorial Service honored three Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty

Services also honored other Missouri firefighters who passed away in 2012


Three Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2012 were remembered today, along with all Missouri firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the past years, at a solemn ceremony at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.
"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 were added to the Fire Fighter's 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.


On Saturday, May 18 a candlelight vigil in honor of all Missouri firefighters who have died in the line of duty was held 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, Missouri.  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.

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov