Kansas City firefighters killed when apartment collapses

He didn’t provide their ages.

Hall said a Springfield firefighter has not been killed in the line of duty since the 1940s, and that is fortunate considering the size of the department.

Firefighters across the Kansas City area said they will be thinking of the two fallen Kansas City firefighters and will keep their memories strong.

When they arrived, they located smoke and fire showing from the building and ordered additional fire crews. It quickly escalated, with full 2nd alarm requested after arrival. “This is the worst day”, Berardi said. Within 20 minutes, fire crews had exited the structure and were battling the fire in a defensive mode. The building partially collapsed while the two firefighters were trying to leave the building. A rapid intervention team witnessed the collapse and pulled them from the rubble. Two firefighters died. None of the four was immediately identified. All four were sent to the hospital, where Leggio and Mesh were reported dead. The condition of the two injured firefighters was not clear early Tuesday.

‘The outpouring of condolences has been awesome.

“For me, personally, this really hits home”, Hosmer said, “having a father be a firefighter for 29 years”.

The tragedy has area residents grieving Kansas City’s heroes after the massive blaze rocked the community and those that risk their lives every day.

Two Kansas City firefighters lost their lives Monday saving others.

Several members of Yost’s family have also been firefighters, especially on his wife’s side. His pumper truck works out of Station 10 at 1505 E. Ninth Street. Plans were developed to offer support to the devastated families.

He said Kansas City and the Royals are united behind the families and rallying around them. The 13-year veteran’s brother is also a member of the same department.

Once funeral arrangements are announced, both Bellevue and Omaha firefighters will likely make the trip for the services.

He said his parents tried to protect him and his siblings from knowing the dangers that firefighters face. Tax-deductible donations will be given to the families of firefighters Leggio and Mesh.

A news release has been issued with current remembrance plans and quotes from Mayor Sly James, City Manager Troy Schulte and Councilmember Heather Hall. Despite quick rescue efforts, two died.

“Number one, I’m going to go in there and tell these boys, these men and women, that I love them”.

“We’ve got such a close relationship with the Kansas City police and sheriff and the fire department people, I think we all woke up with heavy hearts today”, manager Ned Yost said. A complete investigation, with the assistance of a KCPD, and a National Response Team from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is underway.