KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Independence Fire Department announced Friday that Hazardous Material Technician David F. Jameson Jr. was the firefighter who died after responding to an illegal burn earlier this week.
Jameson, 52, had been with the department for 23 years, working primarily out of Station 5 in southwest Independence. He had 10 children, according to a release from the city.
“David’s passing was a sudden and unexpected loss for the department and his family...,” Independence Fire Chief Doug Short said. “David’s history included many letters of commendation and heroism during his career.”
Short said Jameson “also leaves behind his mother, grandmother, two brothers and two sisters.”
Independence Mayor Eileen Weir and City Manager Zach Walker also extended condolences to Jameson’s family and friends, especially “during these already challenging times.”
“Every member of his family and the department that I have spoken with have only kind words to say of a man that loved to laugh, was dedicated to his career and cared deeply for his family,” city leaders said in a statement. “Saying goodbye suddenly is never easy but we know that we will work through this together.”
Weir and Walker also thanked the Independence community “for the outpouring of support for the Independence Fire Department.”
Details of Jameson’s funeral and memorial service will be announced after arrangements are complete.
As fire crews responded to a backyard burn around 1 p.m. on Thursday to the 9600 block of 33rd Street South, Jameson experienced shortness of breath and remained in a vehicle. He later fell unresponsive and died at a nearby hospital.
