KANSAS CITY, Missouri — For the past week, Kansas City has mourned the loss of two Kansas City Firefighters.

On Monday, Oct. 12, the KCFD lost two firefighters during a second alarm response to a combined commercial and residential structure located near the intersection of Independence and Prospect Avenues. Multiple units were dispatched at around 7:30 p.m. for an initial call that indicated fire visible from the structure. Additional units were dispatched as the fire escalated, with a full second alarm requested shortly after arrival. Crews rescued multiple occupants by ladder prior to deteriorating conditions forcing a shift to defensive operations.

At around 8 p.m., a collapse was reported on the east side of the building, with two mayday calls received from the collapse area, indicating firefighters in urgent distress; four firefighters were reported trapped by the collapse. The deceased firefighters have been identified as:

•17-year veteran, Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio, age 43, of Truck 2 who leaves behind a wife and mother; and

•13-year veteran, Firefighter John V. Mesh, age 39, of Pumper 10 who leaves a wife and four young daughters.

The other two firefighters survived the collapse.

According to Angela Hinkle, who lives across the street from the scene of the fire, “the building just went up almost in a flash.” All of the residents of the apartments exited the building safely. According to one resident, a dog and a cat may have also perished in the flame. Snyder’s Supermarket owner Jerry James described the collapse like, “a bomb going off.”

The property had five businesses on the lower level and 16 apartment units on the second and third levels. The businesses, which run from 2600 to 2618 Independence Ave., were Pay Day Loans; Jackson Hewitt Tax Service; LN Nails & Spa; and the Gracie Store. There was another fire in the building earlier this year, but the damage was contained to one apartment unit and was quickly repaired.

“What is good for their families to remember is that they did not die in vain, they saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders before the wall collapsed,” KCFD Chief Paul Berardi said in an emotional statement at a news conference following the deaths of Mesh and Leggio.

The KC Fire Department’s investigation is ongoing and more information on the cause of the fire and the building’s collapse will be released as it becomes available. So far, the KCFD have been assisted by the Kansas City Police Department’s bomb and arson unit and a National Response Team from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

City officials released the building’s code history, with no code violations or structural issues reported. There are no open building code cases involving the property nor was there any prior issues found relating to Dangerous Buildings. Chris Hernandez, the city’s director of communications, said the only previous case in the past 10 years was in June 2014, when building owner Bo Tran was cited for working without a permit on the roof of a storage structure behind the building. Hernandez added Tran has been on the scene and has insurance. He will be responsible for demolition once authorities have completed their investigation and released the scene back to him.

In a press release, City Manager Troy Schulte said the legacy of firefighters Leggio and Mesh will not be forgotten.”

“The tragic loss of two of Kansas City’s firefighters is a reminder that our emergency response teams put their lives on the line for all of us every day,” Mayor Sly James said. “Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pray for recovery of the injured.”

At a press conference last week, Larry Galvin, President of International Association of Firefighters [IAFF] Local 42 remembered the two fallen firefighters who were killed. Both men were products of the Historic Northeast community, went to school together, and have known each other since childhood. Leggio was an avid motorcyclist who Galvin had ridden with often.

“Both Larry Leggio and John Mesh were good firefighters, good husbands and active in their communities,” Galvin said. “As a kid, Larry would listen to the scanner and he and his mother would often travel to fire scenes.”

Another firefighter, who wished to remain nameless, worked with both men and indicated that Leggio would often come into the station on his day off and detail the firetrucks.

“It was his job to make sure the trucks looked good for ceremonies like funerals,” he said. “I guess we’ll have to make them look extra good for him.”

Speaking about John Mesh, the firefighter indicated he and Mesh came onto the department together 13 years ago. He also said that Leggio had come onto Truck 2 a little over two years ago to replace another firefighter who had died, noting that the truck seems to have a black cloud following it.

“Both these guys were jam up guys,” the firefighter said. “They will be severely missed.”

Galvin was grateful for the outpouring of support the KCFD has received.

“I began to get phone calls last night from our international firefighter brotherhood expressing condolences for these brave men” Galvin said. “The entire Kansas City community has really stepped up and we’re extremely appreciative.”

A fund to support the families of fallen firefighters has been established through IAFF Local 42. Tax-deductible donations will be given to the families of firefighters Leggio and Mesh. Donations can be made by check, payable to IAFF Local 42 and should be sent to 6320 Manchester Ave., Suite 42A; Kansas City, MO 64133. Sympathy cards may also be mailed to the same address.