INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — One by one, members of the community and the fire service paid their respects at a drive-through visitation for fallen Independence firefighter David Jameson Jr.
"This is what it’s all about, primarily to honor David,” Kirk Stobart, president of International Association of Firefighters Local 781, said, “but at the same time, you know, we have over 170 people on our department that, you know, really need to help them have that closure with losing a brother firefighter.”
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the social distancing guidelines it has brought with it, the Independence Fire Department carried out its traditions Sunday as a tribute to Jameson.
"I never once saw the man without a smile on his face,” Stobart said. “Always had a little bit of a, you know, joking around a little bit with him, you know, all the time.”
Jameson died after experiencing shortness of breath while responding to a call of an illegal burn.
Chief Douglas Short, of the Independence Fire Department, said Jameson was an “excellent” person.
"He worked on our hazmat team, very outgoing,” Short said. “He actually worked a lot for us.”
Described as a dedicated professional, Jameson received commendations for several life-saving acts during his 23 years of service.
"He pretty much spent most of that time actually at the same station, which is good because that makes him very familiar in that community or that small area," Short said.
A dozen fire departments from around the metro covered shifts for Independence so Jameson's colleagues could join his loved ones.
"It means a lot for us to do this for both the family and the recognition of our personnel," Short said.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday at government buildings in Jackson County and at fire houses across the state to honor Jameson.
IAFF Local 781 Good and Welfare established the David F. Jameson Memorial Fund to benefit his family. Contributions are accepted via check made payable to Independence Firefighters Local 781 and mailed to IAFF Local 781 Professional Firefighters of Independence, 320 E. Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050.
A private funeral service is scheduled for Monday, followed by a procession at 2 p.m.
