Fulton Sun staff report
Today, Missourians might notice some flags flown half-staff.
Fire stations across the state, as well as the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City, are lowering the U.S. and Missouri flags in honor of Scott Davidson, a paramedic/communications specialist with the Kansas City Fire Department.
Davidson, 45, died Sunday from COVID-19.
Gov. Mike Parson ordered the sign of respect Wednesday, citing Davidson's devotion as a first responder. For over 18 years, Davidson served as a communication specialist and paramedic with the Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust and Kansas City Missouri Fire Department.
"He served with a calming strength that gave others hope in the midst of difficult times," Parson said in a press release. "We are thankful for the sacrifices of the brave emergency responders who risk their own lives to protect the lives and property of their fellow citizens. Communication specialist/paramedic Davidson's strong and true service will never be forgotten."
Davidson is the third member of KCFD to die of the coronavirus in the line of duty, according to a Facebook post from the department.
On Monday, the governor has ordered fire station flags flown at half-staff again in honor of Kansas City Fire Department Captain Robert "Bobby" Rocha, who also died of the coronavirus.
"KCFD, like all other first response agencies, once again is on the front lines of significant danger that is attacking our community and we will continue to step up and respond to the threat of this pandemic," Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake said in the post. "My request today is the same as yesterday, follow the guidance to protect yourself and your family from this pandemic. By doing so, you help lessen our risk as first responders."
As of Friday, some 3,809 Missourians had died of COVID-19, including 12 in Callaway County.