KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Edwardsville Fire Department paramedic who died from COVID-19 was a “charismatic soul,” according to the department’s fire chief.
“He was caring, compassionate,” Chief Jim Whithim said of Jason Taylor. “He could be funny at times, infectious. Just the way that he always had a grin, it just never seemed like he had a bad day when he was in here at work.”
Taylor, 51, lost his battle with the virus on Saturday, after contracting it days before Christmas, Whithim said.
“It was a complete shock because at 51-52 years old - you know, relatively still young and healthy, not a tobacco user not a smoker, no railing underlying issues, it was just a complete shock to everybody here,” Whithim said.
Taylor had been with the department part-time since 2018. He worked in Bonner Springs prior to joining the Edwardsville Fire Department. Taylor had more than 15 years of experience as a paramedic.
The department has created a GoFundMe campaign to assist Taylor's wife, Penny, with funeral expenses.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
