KINGDOM CITY - Firefighters and their families came together to remember fallen comrades at Sunday's Fire Fighters Memorial Service.
The 15th annual service, which takes place at the Missouri Fire Fighters Memorial next to Kingdom City's town hall, recognizes those who gave their lives to protect others. Four firefighters and their families were singled out in particular - firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. They were:
Art Civey, St. Charles Township Volunteer Fire Department,
Francis W. Vogt, St. Charles township Volunteer Fire Department,
Edward Cosgrove Jr., Green Township Volunteer Fire Department,
Todd L. Hartlein, Matthews Volunteer Fire Department.
"This is a time to recognize those that answered their last alarm," said Keith Smith, Missouri Fire Fighter's Memorial Foundation chair. "They gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We must remember why we have gathered here; to honor those who gave themselves in service to their community."
An invocation by Missouri Fire and Rescue Training director David Hedrick spoke directly to the four families which had lost their loved ones.
"Every day, firefighters stand ready to lay down their lives to the community they serve," he said. "This memorial is part of our service to them. What we say and do here can't heal your loss, but I hope it brings some comfort to you that they are remembered."
The keynote speech, delivered by Missouri Funeral Service Team Coordinator Brian Zinnani, addressed those who help families in times of grief, and ask nothing in return.
"Today, we gathered to meet with our colleges, some of whom we haven't seen for a long time," he said. "But did you notice the people who have not been here before - people who may seem apprehensive or nervous? They are the families of those being honored here today. We are here to recognize that their loved one's lives were cut short in the line of duty; they are the reason we gather, they are the survivor family."
Zinnani said in his position on the Funeral Service Team, he has the privilege of interacting with these families when their wounds are still fresh, their hurt deepest.
"These families are each special in their own way, and the kids especially hold a special place in my heart," he said. "When they are the most vulnerable, they shared their stories of their heroes with me."
While the pain of losing their loved one might never go away, Zinnani said, everyone can help in the process.
"We must acknowledge the pain of their loss, that's all we can do," he said. "There is a common thread that is shared between all of the survivor families: a fear that their hero will someday be forgotten. So, when you see a survivor family, ask them about their story. Though it may be painful, and there may be tears, through stories the legacy of their hero continues."
The names of the fallen, forever enshrined at the memorial, also create a permanent reminder of their sacrifice, Zinnani said.
"Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten," he said. "Their names are carved into the granite of this memorial. But to the families who feel so alone in their grief, it is the nameless people that reached out and disappeared without a trace that made all the difference. These unsung heroes are everywhere."
Zinnani said these are the people that do the right thing, at the right time and disappear.
"These people 'get it,'" he said. "'It is an attitude, a way of life. They do things for others without any expectation to get anything back."
A simple pin was created, Zinnani said, to recognize those who 'get it.'
"It is about the size of a dime, with a lower case 'it' in red letters, symbolizing the blood shed by our fallen heroes," he said. "The background is black, symbolizing the morning process. The outline is silver, symbolizing life. 'It' can't be bought, traded or sold; you either get 'it' or you don't."
For the people sitting in the crowd, Zinnani said, there was a critical role for them to play.
"We must continue to support the survivor families," he said. "When you witness kindness, tell the person you appreciate what they did. The world needs more people that 'get it.'"
Personal proclamations were given to the four families being honored as their loved one's gear was placed in front of the granite memorial. A list was read, containing the names of firefighters who had passed away in 2016. A bell tolled for each of them.