The sound of a ringing bell resonates in the Capitol Rotunda. It’s rung nine times, three for each of the three firefighters who died while serving across the state last year; signaling their last call. Mick Schwent is the Fire Chief in Ste. Genevieve, where 34-year-old rookie David Grass died in training last July.
“It’s emotional for everybody and it’s very tough to sit through these it just brings back a lot of memories,” said Tony Kelly, President of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters.
The final man honored was 49-year-old Roger Vorwark. He died last March after 28 years of service.
“The Thursday before his death on a Saturday he had just been promoted to Lieutenant. That was always one of his goals, to become an officer in our department,” said Kevin Campbell, Vorwark’s Chief in Odessa.
Vorwark was also a volunteer for most of his time as a firefighter. He just went to full-time within the last year, working in Odessa for five years after transferring from a smaller department. According to the Department of Public Safety, 75% of the 20,000 firefighters in the state of Missouri are volunteers.
Family members were on hand for the ceremony. Kelley says there will be others around the state later this year.
AUDIO: Ryan Famuliner Reports (including sounds from the ceremony) – :64 mp3