Fallen Kansas City Firefighters Receive National Honor
In recognition of their heroism and sacrifice in the line of duty, two brave firefighters from Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas will be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, May 5. The lives of Jason Garrett, 46, and Cpt. Raymond Wynn, 62, will be celebrated amongst the 200 firefighters being remembered at the ceremony this year.
Remembering Jason Garrett
In 2017, Firefighter Jason Garrett of Kansas City, Kansas lost his life while on duty. The 46-year-old firefighter had been working an arduous 24-hour overtime shift on Christmas Eve before proceeding to his regular shift on Christmas Day. With resilience and tenacity, Garrett answered 11 emergency calls during this period. Tragically, he was found deceased in the bunkroom when he did not show up for a morning response call on Christmas. The cause of death was identified as cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomegaly.
Honoring Cpt. Raymond Wynn
Cpt. Raymond Wynn, a veteran member of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department, will also be honored at this year’s ceremony. Wynn, who dedicated 32 years to the service, passed away on March 27, 2021. He had been bravely battling three separate tumors on his tongue, neck and lung for about a decade before his passing at the age of 62.
Service and Candlelight Vigil
The heartening memorial service will kick off at 9 a.m. CTE. Governor Laura Kelly has mandated that flags will fly at half-staff in Kansas in observance of the event. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Ahead of the memorial service, a poignant candlelight service was held on Saturday night, offering a space for collective mourning and appreciation for the departed.
Other Firefighters to be Honored
The ceremony will also pay tribute to various other Kansas firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. These include Joshua Bruggeman, 46, a Firefighter/EMT from Wichita who succumbed to COVID-19 complications on Dec. 29, 2021. Assistant Chief Frank Enke, 48, of the Girard Fire Department, who lost his life due to a heart attack while on duty in March 1983. Lastly, Division Chief Martin “Marty” Smith, 64, of the Montgomery Co. Fire District #1, who passed away from a heart attack seven hours after responding to a collision requiring ladder and extrication work on Jan. 15, 2023.
As we pay tribute to these courageous individuals, let us remember the unparalleled dedication and sacrifice made by firefighters everywhere ensuring our safety and wellbeing on a daily basis. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to leave an indelible mark in our hearts even as they are immortalized in their brave deeds.
