JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties and at fire houses across the state on Wednesday, April 22, in honor of deceased Kansas City Fire Department EMT Billy Birmingham, who died from COVID-19 complications earlier this month.
Parson also ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.
Birmingham, 69, died on April 13 after responding to several service calls in which there were patients positive for COVID-19, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
His death is the first known COVID-19 line-of-duty death of a first responder in the state of Missouri. His funeral will be held on April 22.
“In the face of this unprecedented public health crisis, Billy Birmingham repeatedly and without hesitation risked his own health and safety by responding to emergency calls,” Parson said. “EMT Birmingham died heroically and selflessly in service to others. His death is a reminder to all of us to appreciate and thank the EMTs, paramedics, and all first responders who are serving on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19.”
Birmingham served as a member of the Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust from 1998 to 2010 and continued his service as a member of the Kansas City Fire Department following the consolidation of MAST and KCFD in 2010. He was an ordained minister and founded Agape Love Ministries of Christ Unlimited in 2012. He is survived by six children, 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
To view Parson's proclamation,click below.
