Kansas City emergency responders and elected officials are remembering as heroes two firefighters who died last night after saving two people from a burning apartment complex.
Kansas City Fire Chief Paul Berardi said firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh died after the building collapsed.
“Both firefighters were pronounced dead at the hospital after paramedics, nurses and doctors tried to revive them,” said Berardi.
Two other firefighters were also caught in the collapse and taken to area hospitals.
Leggio and Mesh had helped rescue two residents from the complex minutes before the collapse.
The fire was in a complex at Independence Avenue and Prospect Avenue. The building was already heavily damaged when firefighters arrived. Firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structure at 7:52 p.m. Fifteen minutes later a collapse trapped four firefighters on the east side of the building.
Leggio was a 17-year veteran firefighter and Mesh was a 13-year-veteran.
“Firefighter Leggio leaves a wife, a mother, and many immediate family members. Firefighter Mesh leaves a wife, four young daughters, as well as many family members,” said Berardi.
“We wish to recognize those who have extended their condolences. The outpouring of condolences has been amazing. The compassion of the community has been amazing,” said Berardi.