Kansas City firefighter Anthony “Tony” Santi died on Thursday, Oct. 6, off-duty at a gas station in Independence, Mo.

Greater Kansas City Local 42, the union Santi belonged to, said in a release that Santi was attempting to come to the defense of a gas station employee near US 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue.

The Independence Police Department was called to investigate a homicide that occurred Thursday around 2:30 p.m. at the Road Star gas station, 11100 E. US 40 Hwy.

Officers were dispatched to the address on a shooting initially, and when they arrived, located one person deceased. A short time later, two persons of interest were taken into custody nearby in relation to the incident. This remains an active, ongoing investigation.

Santi started his career with KCFD in 2011.

“As a close-knit organization, we are shocked by yesterday’s tragic loss of [Firefighter] Santi, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends,” KCFD Chief Donna Lake said in a statement. “KCFD is used to responding to these events and it is difficult to imagine the death of one of our own in such a way.”

Local 42 sent thoughts and prayers to Santi’s family and friends, and encouraged firefighters to utilize 42CARES, the union’s behavioral health program. The program specializes in providing emotional support for members and their families. Peer support through 42CARES was activated immediately upon notification of this tragedy. 

“Local 42 will do everything in its power to provide comfort and support to the family and our members as they attempt to process this loss,” a statement from the union said.

“We are fortunate as a fire department to have our 42CARES program as a mechanism for our employees to deal with this sudden loss of Tony,” Lake said. “He will be deeply missed by all. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.”

Due to the nature of the event, Local 42 asked that everyone honor the privacy of Santi’s family.