The annual candlelight and memorial services took place Saturday and Sunday May 14-15. While Saturday night was cold the rain held off and both services were held on the memorial grounds. The field of flags arranged by Dr. Baker and his helpers was outstanding!
The Foundation was task with honoring four recent Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) from 2015 and one previously unknown from North Kansas City.
- Christopher A. Tindal, South Metropolitan FPD, 01/08/2015
- Larry W. Lawhorn, Orchard Farm FPD, 05/03/2015
- John Mesh, Kansas City FD, 10/12/2015
- Larry Leggio, Kansas City FD, 10/12/2015
- Dorris Winn Fox, N. Kansas City, 04/05/1935
The Foundation was also privileged to honor 34 non-line of duty names. All names are honored with a visual and audio remembrance in the Candlelight Service. There is no limitation dates on LODD. The Foundation is honored to remember those which have served and pass as non line of duty but recognition is limited from time of passing. The 2017 service will honor all LODD not previously known. We just discovered two more names from a May 13, 1969 incident which will be honored in May 2017. Non line of duty names from 2016 plus January, February and March 2017 and three previous years if they were missed (2013-14-15) can be recognized in the May 2017 services.
In addition to the Foundation Board there were several people who assisted with the 2016 services and I want to thank you again for that. The net result of the two services would not be possible without dozens of people and a couple of key organizations willing to assist. Planning for the 2017 services has already begun. The Foundation Board met Sunday June 26 and discussed improvements and some new ideas.
Three key changes from the Foundation June Board meeting. Bill Farr was Fire Marshal when ground breaking for the memorial took place. A seat on the Foundation is reserved for the State Fire Marshal but Bill was asked to remain on the board after leaving office. Bill has supported the Foundation in many ways which most people may never know. It was with regret the Foundation accepted his resignation but to our relief Bill indicated his intention to continue with special projects as time permits. Bill was also serving as Foundation Secretary. This added a second open position to another we planned on filling. The Foundation is pleased to announce Ben Bonner from Branson and Greg Wright from Shelbina were elected to the Foundation Board. This now provides representation from SW and NE Missouri. All fifteen of the Foundation Board positions are now filled.
If you have a name we may have missed in previous services, please contact me. The Foundation would be honored to honor your loved one. DVD’s for the 2015 and May 2016 services will be available by the time this article is released. Again, please contact me. Thank you!
FFAM
