The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Local News

July 3, 2009

Fire department raises money to send family to memorial

By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

SENECA, Mo. — The Seneca Area Fire Protection District is raising money to send the family and friends of a fallen firefighter to the national memorial later this year.

Tyler Casey, a volunteer firefighter from the district, died while warning people to seek shelter before the May 10, 2008, tornado.

Casey, 21, also was acting as a storm spotter at the time. As the tornado approached, he left his own vehicle to warn a family and urge the people to seek shelter. He is credited with saving the lives of at least three people that day.

Chief Steffen Wiest said Casey will be honored during the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial’s annual ceremony in October. His name, along with those of other firefighters who died in the line of duty last year, will be officially added to the rolls of the memorial in Emmitsburg, Md.

“For all of us, it’s an honor,” Wiest said of Casey’s name being added.

The department is trying to raise $6,000, Wiest said, to send a group of 13 people to Emmitsburg. The group is to be composed of Casey’s family, some friends, and several firefighters.

The department will kick off its fund-raiser today with a barbecue coinciding with Seneca’s July 4 festivities.

This year’s National Fallen Firefighter memorial weekend will be Oct. 3 and 4, according to the memorial Web site.

Survivors of the fallen firefighters will participate in Family Day activities Oct. 3 on the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg, according to the Web site. A candlelight service at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will conclude the event.

On Oct. 4, honor guard units and bagpipers will open the Memorial Service with a procession. The national tribute will conclude with the unveiling of plaques listing the names of the fallen.

Text Only
Local News
Sports
Facebook
Poll

Would you be in favor of a constitutional amendment that would allow a Missouri legislator to serve up to 16 years in either the state House or Senate?

Yes.
No.
     View Results
Opinion
Business
Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
NDN Video
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is... Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
House Ads