Division of Fire Safety News Release

Two Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016 along with two others who died in the line of duty in 1969 will be honored during services Saturday and Sunday at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.

On Saturday, May 20, at 9 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held for all Missouri firefighters who have died while serving their communities.

On Sunday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m., the names of four Missouri firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016 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 2016 will also be remembered during the ceremonies. 

“Each day, thousands of men and women of Missouri’s fire service go out to do dangerous work to protect life and property.” Gov. Eric Greitens said. “They respond selflessly, bravely, and without concern for their own safety. We honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and our prayers are with the families and loved ones they left behind.”

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the members of Missouri’s fire service and their families for the heroic, life-saving work they perform on a daily basis,” said State Fire Marshal Tim Bean. “These annual ceremonies are moving experiences as we renew our commitment to never forget those who gave their lives in service to their neighbors, and to support their survivors.”     

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

Firefighter Edward Cosgrove, Jr., age 53, Green Township Fire Protection District,  July 24, 2016

Firefighter Cosgrove was on the scene of a recreational vehicle fire when he went into cardiac arrest as he helped fight the fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Todd L. Hartlein, age 49, Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, Aug. 24, 2016

Assistant Fire Chief Hartlein suffered a fatal medical emergency shortly after responding to a vehicle crash.

Firefighter Art Civey, age 45, St. Charles Township Volunteer Fire Department, May 13, 1969

While on the scene of an apartment fire, Firefighter Civey was fatally injured when the driver of a fire truck suffered a seizure while backing up the pumper and struck Firefighter Civey. 

Firefighter Francis W. “Bud” Vogt, age 59, St. Charles Township Volunteer Fire Department, May 13, 1969

While on the scene of an apartment fire, Firefighter Vogt was fatally injured when the driver of a fire truck suffered a seizure while backing up the pumper and struck Firefighter Vogt. 

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.

View a slideshow of Sunday's memorial service here.

Saturday, May 20

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 20

Sunday, May 21

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

WHO:             State Fire Marshal Tim Bean

                        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 21

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