State of Missouri

10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 14:49

Governor Parson Orders Capitol Dome Lighted Red in Honor of Fallen Missouri Firefight…

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Jefferson City- Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome lighted red from sunset on Saturday, October 5, until sunrise on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in honor of Missouri's fallen firefighters.

The lighting coincides with Missouri's annual memorial services for firefighters at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City. Governor Parson has proclaimed October 6 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri. The Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the memorial for all deceased firefighters on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 7 p.m. On Sunday, October 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m., a memorial service will be held at the memorial in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.

"Since the early 1800s, more than 400 Missourians across our state have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to serve as firefighters," Governor Parson said. "These courageous firefighters came from many backgrounds and served across different eras, but they shared an unflinching determination to protect lives and property, even when it meant putting their own lives on the line. It is our honor to light the State Capitol dome red in grateful remembrance of these heroes' service to Missouri."

"We hope that when people see the Capitol Dome lighted red on Saturday night, they think of the members of Missouri's fire service who died in the line of duty to save lives and protect property," State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. "Our fallen brothers and sisters, no matter when they served, represent the highest ideals of the fire service - courage under fire, selfless service, and unfailing commitment to others - and they will never be forgotten."

Pictures of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

The Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri is located at 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection).