Division of Fire Safety News Release

Four Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2015 will be honored during services Saturday and Sunday at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.

On Saturday, May 14, at 9 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held for all Missouri firefighters who have died while serving their communities.

On Sunday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m., the names of four Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2015 will be added to the monument wall commemorating Missouri firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their fellow Missouri citizens. Other Missouri firefighters who passed away during 2015 will also be remembered during the ceremonies. 

“Few among us consider risking our own lives to save others a normal part of the job, but that’s exactly what firefighters do each time they answer the alarm,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “Once again in 2015, we saw the extreme dangers firefighters face in order to protect their fellow Missourians. We are tremendously grateful for their heroic service and for the sacrifices of the loved ones they left behind.”

“The men and women of Missouri’s fire service take many risks to make the rest of us safer and more secure,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Greg Carrell. “It is my hope that Missourians appreciate their faithful, courageous service not just at memorial services, but 365 days a year.”

The firefighters whose names will be added to the Fire Fighters Line of Duty Memorial Wall are:

Battalion Chief Christopher A. Tindall, age 41, South Metropolitan Fire Protection District, Jan. 8, 2015

Battalion Chief Tindall died after suffering chest pains several hours after responding to an emergency call. He was a 14-year veteran of the department headquartered in Raymore. 

Engineer-Firefighter Larry W. Lawhorn, age 60, Orchard Farm Fire Protection District, May 3, 2015

Engineer-Firefighter Lawhorn was responding to a mutual aid structure fire when the fire department tanker he was driving left the roadway and came to rest in field after he suffered a heart attack. He had served 17 years with the district in St. Charles County, and previously had served 19 years with the St. Charles Fire Protection District.

Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio, age 43, Kansas City Fire Department, Oct. 12, 2015 

Fire Apparatus Operator Leggio and Firefighter John Mesh were part of a two-alarm response to a large apartment building fire. Leggio and Mesh rescued two occupants by ladder before deteriorating conditions forced a shift to defensive operations. Fire Apparatus Operator Leggio died after being trapped as the building collapsed. He was a 17-year veteran of the department.

Firefighter John V. Mesh, age 39, Kansas City Fire Department, Oct. 12, 2015

Firefighter Mesh and Fire Apparatus Operator Larry Legio were part of a two-alarm response to a large apartment building fire. Mesh and Leggio had rescued two occupants by ladder before deteriorating conditions forced a shift to defensive operations. Firefighter Mesh died after being trapped as the building collapsed. He was a 13-year veteran of the department.

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. In case of inclement weather, events will be moved to Auxvasse Elementary School, 650 E. Harrison St., Auxvasse, MO 65231.

Saturday, May 14

WHAT:           Candlelight vigil honoring Missouri firefighters who died serving Missouri’s fire service

WHO:             Families and friends of those who died

Firefighters from across Missouri

WHERE:         Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection, Kingdom City

WHEN:           9 p.m. Saturday, May 14

Sunday, May 15

WHAT:           Memorial Service honoring Missouri firefighters who died serving Missouri’s fire service

WHO:             Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts

Acting State Fire Marshal Greg Carrell

                        Leaders of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri

                        Families and friends of those who have died

                        Other firefighters from across Missouri

WHERE:         Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri, one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection, Kingdom City

WHEN:          10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 15