KANSAS CITY MOURNS HERO FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS!!! TKC EXCLUSIVE AND BREAKING NEWS: AUTHORITIES ALREADY WORKING ON CRIMINAL CHARGES!!!
Throughout Kansas City and the nation there is an overwhelming amount of sympathy and solidarity with firefighters tragically killed while rescuing residents and fighting a fire in the urban core.
Here's a quick survey of some of the best links and coverage . . .
Mayor Sly James on Twitter
Outpouring of support expressed for KCFD after two firefighters die in line of duty
2 Kansas City firefighters die in apartment fire
Two firefighters die in apartment fire, collapse on Independence Avenue
Moreover . . .
TKC EXCLUSIVE: Expect the Royals to make special mention of the KC's fallen firefighters during the final game of the ACLS.
Now . . .
TKC BEHIND THE SCENES: ALREADY THE PUSH IS ON TO FILE CRIMINAL CHARGES IN THIS CASE AND THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TARGETS NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION!!!
Over the next few hours look for more news about the building which suffered THREE COLLAPSING WALLS and of course in the aftermath of any horrific disaster like this one, there is always a quick search for negligence. That news should be coming later in the day but our TKC blog community has FIRST word that this case is now THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THE JACKSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE during an election campaign that just recently kicked off for the prosecutor "Mean" Jean Peters Baker.
Developing . . .
This is one of the worst tragedies KC has ever seen and a reminder that these men and women go out and risk their lives every day to keep people safe.
ReplyDeleteSo, it's more like 1988 all over again?
ReplyDeleteThe words from the Mayor were 100% correct. Thanks for posting, T.
ReplyDeleteThey probably did their best not to help black people.
ReplyDeleteByron,
DeleteI see people respond to you all the time on this blog and sometimes I felt like they were being a little harsh. But a comment like this after two firefighters DIED while attempting to help other people, proves you are the asshole everyone thinks you are. If there's any justice in the world, someone will beat the hell out of you just for being ugly and stupid.
This is a "Free Shot" for mean Jean, she won't have to cover her ass as is always the case when she charges "Gentle Giants" for crimes. She can look tough and not piss off her Democratic constituents.
ReplyDeleteOne Less Returning Home
ReplyDeleteReturning home, from a call.
One less than before.
Empty shoes, beside the fire truck.
Now forever a reminder of a brother lost to the flames.
Their sacrifice never forgotten.
Life laid down, for another.
No Greater Love..
Their presence in our life, a gift from above.
Cherish the memories and love.
Before the last call comes, make sure to hold them close..
The bell tolls three times.
A shift over, a call to go home.
Rest now in the arms of the, Father.
Until we see you again.
438
ReplyDeleteIts tragic but not exactly the worst ever. The Hyatt collapse, the blast that killed multiple Fire fighters in 88, a firebombing of a house on the east side that killed 5 or 6, a couple of serial killers, the KC Massacre, the list is long lets ease up on the Hyperbole.
6:43
ReplyDeleteYou ever stop to think that might be a person who wasn't even born when the tragics you listed happened. Now to you last night might not be the worse ever but to them it is. So how about you ease up and allow others to express their grief as they deem fit.
Umm... 6:22 I don't think that was the real Byron. Byron is pretty consistent in posting with a hyperlink and picture. Kind of like Chuck posting as Harry Stone.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers go out to the families. Not sure its the greatest tragedy in KC, but ALL loss of life is a tragedy. #alllivesmatter
ReplyDelete#feelingthebern
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt that last night's firefighter deaths were tragic, but let's not get lost in the "hero among us" crap. They are paid to do a job, and are paid an inflated rate based upon the perception of danger of their job, not the reality of it. The mortality figures tell a different story than the union would like you to believe (these are from 2014):
ReplyDeleteU.S. on-the-job mortality rate per 100,000 full-time workers, by occupation
Mortality National Average at Work, ALL Occupations 3.5
- Public Safety Mortality Risk
U.S. Career Firefighters (not counting volunteers or part-timers) 11.1
CA Police Officers and Sheriffs (not corrections officers or jailers) 4.9
- Other Occupations Mortality Risk
Commercial Fishers 127.3
Logging Workers 104.0
Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers 56.1
Refuse & Recyclable Material Workers 36.4
Roofers 34.1
Structural Iron and Steel Workers 30.3
Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers 28.4
Helpers, Construction Trades 26.8
Farmers and Ranchers 26.1
Driver/Sales Workers & Truck Drivers 24.5
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs 19.7
Electrical Powerline Workers 19.5
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) 18.0
Cement, concrete, lime, and gypsum product manufacturing 17.5
Grounds Maintenance Workers 16.9
Maintenance & Repair Workers, General 15.8
Construction Laborers 15.7
Landscaping Services 15.6
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction 15.2
Construction Equipment Operators 12.1
Athletes, Coaches, Umpires 10.3
Rail Transportation Workers 9.5
The occupation of firefighter is less dangerous than being a landscape worker or equipment operator, and is on par with professional athletes and their umpires. It's not the "risking our lives every day" profession they claim, it's simply a profession tasked mostly with emergency medical response and the occasional fire rescue, for which they are compensated at a level which can be shown to be outsized based upon risk. By and large, not many "heroes" here, just guys with a pretty good gig.
8:06 you have no freaking idea about how good a GIG our first responders have.
DeleteWork away from your family and other pursuits on a shift schedule unlike the vast majority of American workforces. So, the FD job is going to cause you to miss out on plenty. Those special events (weddings, baptisms, sports tournaments, musical recitals, and your best friend's funeral and more) very likely cannot ALL be attended by you. Districts' rules on shift swaps aren't so flexible for public safety personnel due to continuous hours on duty guidelines.
Navigate the sharing of personal space for not less than 24 hours at most districts where people function as your cohabitants as much as coworkers.
Experience sporadic or sometimes frequent successive adrenaline spikes on a shift having above the average alarms. Yeah, sleep interruptions are known health hazards.
The lucky FD guy/gal has a spouse, good neighbor, father-in-law, or whomever to have their back to step in for "kids,castle and family pet needs at the oddest hours.
And the falls, trips, sprains, breaks, concussions, cuts, burns and toxin/irritant exposures threaten quality of life for good numbers for much of their duty and retirement years. The gear collects damaging substances coating the rigs, hoses, and all devices near spills, fires, smoke/ash/particulates/compounds. The above items are handled repeatedly at the after incidence cleanup and storage in the stations.
GREAT GIG, indeed, demonstrating the will to protect and serve the GRACIOUS and the INGRATES of this world.
I have friends in other major US cities, and we share the news of the inner city crime we're seeing in the news; however, none of them ever speak of fires. It seems, just by my own (non-scientific) polling that KC is not only experiencing the national increase of murders (compared t0o last year), but is also uniquely suffering a rash of housefires. It seems like a lot of arson. Is there some firebug running around?
ReplyDeleteAmazing that two public servants can die trying to rescue others and the first thought on feeble minds is if their pay scale matches the job's risk factor. Maybe the figure-quoters can call their landscapers if their house catches fire.
ReplyDeleteMayor Sly James is a psychopath #slyjameedontmatter
ReplyDeleteTo the idiot at 8:14... you are ether a complete buffoon or willfully ignoring the point that he is making, that being that the job's pay and benefits are so disproportionately high in relation to the education required for the job BECAUSE of the inherent risks involved. These are not volunteers, this is what they are paid to do, like a window washer for instance.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'll continue to call the KCFD if something is burning because that's what these high school graduates are PAID to do.
So very many goddamn dolts around this place.
I would put my own education, IQ and socioeconomic status up against yours any day. The way blustery windbags like yourself respond to alternative opinions tells a lot of people all they need to know about you.
DeleteHigh school grads? Yes, and specialized instruction in several sciences, physical conditioning, apparatus, equipment and materials use/maintenance, public safety services law, structure and vehicle combustion/hazmat containment, water rescue, medical emergencies, cultural diversity sensativity training, health and stress management and data/incident records requirements, plus re-certifications/license renewals perscribed for position.
DeleteTotal occupation prerequisites and continued training an vary by jurisdiction and/or job title.
Many departments access instruction equivalent or awarded as associate's degrees. Numerous entry level fire and EMT personnel bring BA or BS degrees along with related experience from military occupational specialties.
NOW, IF YOU'D RATHER HAVE A VERY HIGHLY PAID OVEREDUCATED "HERO" RUSHING OVER TO SAVE YOUR ASS---FORGET DIALING 911---
Call TOM BRADY or MARK WAHLBERG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dolts and dumbasses aplenty !!!
High school grads? Yes, and specialized instruction in several sciences, physical conditioning, apparatus, equipment and materials use/maintenance, public safety services law, structure and vehicle combustion/hazmat containment, water rescue, medical emergencies, cultural diversity sensativity training, health and stress management and data/incident records requirements, plus re-certifications/license renewals perscribed for position.
DeleteTotal occupation prerequisites and continued training an vary by jurisdiction and/or job title.
Many departments access instruction equivalent or awarded as associate's degrees. Numerous entry level fire and EMT personnel bring BA or BS degrees along with related experience from military occupational specialties.
NOW, IF YOU'D RATHER HAVE A VERY HIGHLY PAID OVEREDUCATED "HERO" RUSHING OVER TO SAVE YOUR ASS---FORGET DIALING 911---
Call TOM BRADY or MARK WAHLBERG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dolts and dumbasses aplenty !!!
This death cult shit the politicians throw at the public only leads to their public beheading s
ReplyDelete8:14 no thanks my taxes pay the firefighters salary, and I have the right to be concerned that we dont get all 9/11 again and sign away our future because a few brave souls died in a tragedy.
ReplyDeleteWell this is a time for remembering and honoring those that died.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is true that these men and women are paid for the risk. That they are compensated for the risk of loss of life. That this is a part of of the job. That doesn't diminish the need to honor those that saw that risk realized. You can both argue that this is part of the job and compensated for in high salaries, and still honor the dead.
a cut n'paste from an interesting commenter last nite --
ReplyDelete---
Democrat greedy firefighter union slobs going to scam the taxpayers for more bennies out of this one --
higher pay -- more positions-- likely another statue or fountain somewhere -
as Democrat Rahm sez-- never let a good crisis go to waste.
BTW - per OSHA stats for 2013 --Firefighters are 13th most hazardous job -- waay below store clerks,cab drivers and farm workers.
7:27: You're right in that 5:20 is probably not Byron; however, the sentiments expressed are certainly consistent with those Byron posts incessantly.
ReplyDeleteIn fact Byron probably regrets he didn't post them first.
Please let's not get into debates of whose job is worthy or not the main thing is two firefighters died a tragic death and won't be seeing their loved ones anymore.
ReplyDeleteTheir lives cut short just like that. Imagine your own life being taken from you today just like that? Does not most everyone wish they could spend time with their families first to tell them they loved them? To get papers in order to make sure your possessions are given to those who meant most to you in life?
May the Lord be with their loved ones to help comfort them.
Amen
"TKC EXCLUSIVE: Expect the Royals to make special mention of the KC's fallen firefighters during the final game of the ACLS."
ReplyDeleteWow, Tony! Ya think?
You link to multiple stories done by real reporters and this is your "exclusive"?
Here's another TKC "exclusive". Better print it before anyone else beats you to it: "The sun will rise in the east tomorrow morning, somewhere near dawn."
What in the world is wrong you people? Two men are dead and you use the occasion to complain about their pay, education, and political affiliations? What an absolute failure your pathetic lives must be. These men asked nothing of the people they went in that fire to save. They just did it. Yes it was their job, yes they are paid to do it, but they still did it and paid the ultimate price for it. None of the firemen I know consider themselves heroes, they would tell you themselves that they were just doing their "job." If you can't appreciate what those men did then just shut up and go on your merry way stop hiding behind anonymity on the internet while uttering garbage like this. You people are an embarrassment to humanity.
ReplyDeleteFire science PROFESSIONALS are compensated similarly to the higher skilled trades AS THEY SHOULD BE, such as:
ReplyDeleteLicensed and or certified practitioners in mechanics, plumbers, pipe-fitters, fine furniture/cabinet makers, machinists, aeronautical techs/fabricators, boilermakers, heavy equipment repair, power generation/ utilities operators...and much more.
Ranges for wage scale and benefit plans can vary by geographics and service length, plus rank within particular fire districts.
I don't see anyone here debating whose job is "worthy", but valid points are being made as to the real (statistical) danger of the profession versus the same, tired lines that are always used(..."Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day"). It's a job, and comparatively not a very dangerous one, for which firefighters are compensated very well based upon perceived (not actual) risk. I don't begrudge them what they've accomplished, but also don't place them on a pedestal.
ReplyDelete9:41, all excellent points. And I personally would prefer well trained, fully qualified, staffing for these types of professions, regardless of gender or skin pigmentation (just like the SEALs, if you can pass the exam and physical tests, as designed, I don't care if you're a purple 100# Philippine chick, but if the test states that you have to carry a 160# person 100 yds, ya better be able to do it.)
ReplyDeleteThat said, why are we paying them, in perpetuity, to spread kitty litter at an accident scene. Firefighters rarely even fight fires these days. They don't. The stats prove it.
And no, it's too soon to bag on public servants and those who have recently lost loved ones. My apologies, prayers and condolences to all.
For the record, I'm in the roofing/ estimating field and climb shit every day that would make people crap their pants. Last week a 110' steeple. Daily in the burbs: 3 story with walkout basement, 8:12 pitch on up. When was the last time any of y'all were 50' up in the air with mo harness? (And yes, of course we use safety equipment, but ya gotta climb it first to anchor things down, THEN it's safer. Well, marginally.)
Damn it's hard doing this in a union town. Can't grab a beer anywhere without someone, after they find out what you do for a living, asking if "you're UNION."
G from KC in the STL
Hello 10:20 FIRE PROTECTION is essentially an INSURANCE POLICY.
DeleteCitizens, properties, lands, animals, waters, and air qualities are the concern of Fire Districts. Private, public, agricultural, industrial, enterprise and NATIONAL SECURITY protections are charged to FDs in a major capacity. Like military capabilites and readiness, better to be ALL DRESSED AND READY WHEN CALLED TO GO!!!!!!!!
Was LOOT and BURN on the Ferguson scale warning enough??????
God Almighty, protect us. And good first responders too.
Hey, high guy, "G from KC in the STL", Mizzou trades have more "dues brothers" on the eastside. Kansas City has a bit less "card carriers" being near Right to Work Kansas. When people ask if you're union they may be just shopping for a good bid on smallish side jobs. There are still contracts that prohibit a union worker from independently working (scabbing) in his member trade for compensation. But, if you bricklay, weld, glaze, plumb, stucco, drywall or roof at your neighbor's/sister's/buddy's homes, you can feel free to, ahem, store those stacks of Schlafly, Buds, or Boulevard cases in your garage for THEM next to the extra freezer to hold THEIR side of beef they don't have room for just now. Then they call soon, and it's Merry Christmas, go ahead and happy Suds and Steaks to you-good buddy.
DeleteTKC EXCLUSIVE AND BREAKING NEWS
ReplyDeleteLMAO!
Whats so funny?
ReplyDelete"...similarly to the higher skilled trades AS THEY SHOULD BE, such as:
ReplyDeleteLicensed and or certified practitioners in mechanics, plumbers, pipe-fitters, fine furniture/cabinet makers, machinists, aeronautical techs/fabricators, boilermakers, heavy equipment repair, power generation/ utilities operators...and much more".
Nothing untrue about the above post, but are any of these other professionals regularly hailed as "heroes", or are we told that they "risk their lives every day"? Most of the other listed professions have a HIGHER mortality rate than firefighter, but when is the last time you heard that a boilermaker "risked his life every day" to brink you heat, or that a construction laborer "risked his life every day" to make sure you had shelter?
This distinction is important, because the "hero" line is the capital used by the union every time budget constraints mean that some department doesn't get what they want. Perception is often reality, and when someone distorts perception for their own gain (bigger budgets, no cuts, etc.), it's fully reasonable for concerned taxpayers to question the perception.
After more than 75 years in the marketplace, the SPAM® family of products is still the tasty, high-quality kitchen staple the world has come to know and love. SPAM® products are fully-cooked, made of 100 percent pure pork and ham and conveniently packaged for a distinct savory and salty-sweet taste that has been enjoyed by millions for generations!!!
ReplyDelete10:39 I agree with you. This was used after 9/11 to the great detriment of our country. It RUINED our country. But I am not sure TODAY is the day for the discussion. You can rest assured there will be discussions in the days to come where your point will be well taken.
ReplyDeleteperhaps if KC only had a higher $15/hour minimum wage, then there wouldn't have been so many vagrants living in that crap hole apartment shack, smoking crack or weed or lighting up something or causing the fire to begin with? Or if only we had a higher cigarette tax in MO, then they couldn't afford the smokes and would have been at the library studying or reading a cultural novel?
ReplyDeleteHow many veterans died last week and where is the front page news on that story?
ReplyDeleteNo shit. Excellent point and there's NO good reason for it to be buried, details disregarded, and any attempts of 'sanitizing' the hell of wars.
DeleteMaybe Tony can get SPAM® - the tasty, high-quality kitchen staple the world has come to know and love - to advertise here.
ReplyDeleteHey, if Tony keeps coming up with "exclusives" such as this case will be investigated, and the Royals will hold a moment of silence, the advertisers are sure to flock.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, he ought to check with that used car lot in Topeka that hired Hearne to see if there are any more openings.
Mr. Tony,
ReplyDeleteAlthough fire suppression is down due to updated building codes there are still a lot of old buildings in KCMO. These structures burn fast and furious. Dry wood tends to be the perfect fuel.
Being a firefighter is a tough job. Our natural reaction is to get the hell out of the way! A sad day when a person dies doing their job.
Please be careful with candles, cooking and any open flame. Bad wiring is also a huge concern.
Post more poems Stupordave.
ReplyDeleteI have a little Stupordave that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
My main man Sly spoke for the poor firefighters. It's a sad day couldn't imagine the young kids of those families.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with our priorities?
ReplyDeleteShouldn't we be focused on why a cop can't get a meal at Olive Garden?
great posts -- esp 8:06 --
ReplyDeleteyep-hundreds of Kansas City vets perished in Nam -- and get a small memorial by a gas station on 42nd and Broadway--
6 Democrat Firefighter union scammer go down -- and get a massive fountain and statue on a promontory overlooking the city..
but-then-- vets didn't bribe Democrat councilmen with huge donations
Hey 8:06, when was the last time an equipment operator rushed into a burning building to rescue someone? When was the last time a landscape worker cut someone from a mangled car and rode with them to the hospital? Maybe I missed it but I don't remember too many boiler techs preforming CPR for an hour on someone's grandparents to bring them back from the dead. That is the very definition of a hero to me and the fire service does that daily. Seems like your a bit envious of them. Maybe just say thanks instead of spewing inane garbage.
ReplyDeleteThe bodily injuries to fire and rescue responders numbers fewer than a handful of other occupations on average, but not so in high incidence/alarm zones. Plus, we should recognize the repeated encounters of actual witnessing and assisting with critical care for those seriously or fatally injured is known to impact responders' psyches over time. Imagine the tug at hearts for FD, EMTs and combat medics who get to know their own community and troops, then have the responsibility of their health and safety under pressure at times of disaster.
ReplyDelete