All gave some, some gave all.
We remember these individuals; we memorialize their lives and thank them for their service. We honor their memory, lest we forget their sacrifice.
A Fireman's Tribute
Brothers, when you weep for me
Remember that is was meant to be.
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve.
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl.
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know.
In hot cellars in searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hid
You know I'll be at your side.
The house from which I now respond
Is over-staffed with heroes gone.
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well.
As fire men we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand.
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway.
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor.
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone who might be there.
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I know throughout the years.
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through.
We remember these individuals; we memorialize their lives and thank them for their service. We honor their memory, lest we forget their sacrifice.
A Fireman's Tribute
Brothers, when you weep for me
Remember that is was meant to be.
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve.
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl.
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know.
In hot cellars in searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hid
You know I'll be at your side.
The house from which I now respond
Is over-staffed with heroes gone.
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well.
As fire men we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand.
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway.
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor.
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone who might be there.
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I know throughout the years.
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through.
- Author Unknown
MCFPD - Lost But Not Forgotten...
Memorial Page - The Last Alarm
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Verlin B. "Pappy" Latham, Sr., Retired Battalion Chief
Verlin B. "Pappy" Latham, Sr., son of Henry Clay and Daisy Myrtle (Conoy) Latham, was born March 14, 1929 in Wardell, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, April 2, 2005, in Lake Regional Health Systems, in Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of seventy-six years and eighteen days. Verlin worked for 30 years at General Motors. After his retirement he moved to the lake area. He served with the Mid-County Fire Protection District from 1982-2001 and retired as Battalion Chief. He loved his community and gave of his time to help save many lives. He very much enjoyed Fire/Rescue and helping the community. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He will be greatly missed and loved by all who knew him. |
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David Latham, Retired Firefighter and Board of Directors member, (48)
David Latham, son of Verlin Bertis and Lena Fern Tolbert Latham, was born October 1, 1957, at Faith Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He departed this life Friday, November 18, 2005, in Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo., at the age of forty-eight years, one month, and seventeen days. He was preceded in death by his father, Vern "Pappy" Latham; a sister, Judith Marie Latham; and his father-in-law, James Wilson. He was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., and attended school there. He then worked for General Motors for a few years. In 1979, he moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area and delivered bait for a bait and tackle company. From 1981 until 1982 he worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation, and then worked in security at Breckenridge Resort and Hotel. Later he was employed as a machinist for Electrovert. For three years he owned and operated Latham Roofing, retiring when his health began to fail. He was a Mid-County Firefighter since 1982, and was a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Mid-County Fire Protection District. He also helped form the Camden County Haz Mat Team, and served as chief for two years. |
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Rocky Lee Roberts Jr., Firefighter (41)
Rocky Lee Roberts Jr. of Amarillo died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, east of Hereford the result of injuries from an automobile accident. Rocky was born June 30, 1967, in Kansas City, Mo., to Birdie Jones and Rocky Lee Roberts Sr. He married Debbie Bagsby on July 4, 1998, in Camdenton, Mo. Rocky served as a firefighter with Mid-County for several years before moving to Texas. |
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John Nicholas "Nick" Shoults
John Nicholas "Nick" Shoults, son of John Paul Shoults and Lynne Gail Colliver Stewart, was born Dec. 31, 1985 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He died Aug. 28, 2009, in his home in Roach, Mo. Nick was raised in Camdenton and graduated from Camdenton High School in 2004. While in school, he was active in FFA and The Pride of the Lake Marching Band. Nick also served as a volunteer for Mid-County Fire Protection District and was an EMT. Following high school, he enlisted with the United States Army, and was in active duty in Iraq for most of his term, serving as a cannon gunner. Due to a duty-related injury in Iraq, he was honorably discharged in 2008. While in the Army, Nick received several decorations and medals, including Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal - Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge. Nick had a passion for bull riding and rode in as many events as possible. He also enjoyed cage fighting, camping and canoeing. |
Email: Administration questions to admin@mcfpd.org or Website questions to webmaster@mcfpd.org
Copyright 2009 Mid-County Fire Protection District
Copyright 2009 Mid-County Fire Protection District
Tribute Links
Mark Landis (57)
Mark Landis, son of Armin Virgil and Louis Marie Steele Landis, was born Feb. 22, 1953 in Lawrence, Kansas. He departed this life Monday, Jan. 31, 2011 at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach with heart-related complications.
Mark was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, where he graduated from high school. He received a degree from the University of Kansas, and through the years continued to be an avid KU sports fan. Mark was a certified Emergency Medical Technician and a certified locksmith. He was skilled at drawing and known for his keen sense of humor.
From 1993 to 2011, Mark worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). His expertise at fighting wildfires was evident as he helped to save several homes and outbuildings throughout his career. Mark served as an instructor at various fire departments and provided specific wildfire training. He also traveled west to work as a radio operator. Mark spent many hours, and sometimes days, with Mid-County, helping to put out fires on D-Road, Webster Turkey Farm Road, Mount Horeb Road and others.
I had the honor and privilege of working with Mark for seven years at the Camdenton MDC office. Many of us on the department worked with Mark on wildfires, but I am one of the lucky ones who can truly say he taught me. My very first fire was with Mark in Richland, and I think my boss let me go only because she was tired of hearing me say, "Can I go on this one?" and Mark saying "Let her go!" (I think she needed some peace and quiet in the dispatch room.) So off we went. After driving forever, we ended up on scene - burnt cedars, barren land. The incident commander sent us off into the woods and I followed Mark like a puppy, soaking up all his knowledge (and stories!). Well, learning from the master, I came away with two very important lessons. First make sure your partner's flashlight has fresh batteries - or any batteries at all -- because once the fire goes out, those barbed wire fences just seem to jump out at you. And second, if you're going to spend any amount of time on a fire, make sure it's with someone whose company you enjoy. I'll miss you, Mark. So long, my friend, so long.
Mark Landis, son of Armin Virgil and Louis Marie Steele Landis, was born Feb. 22, 1953 in Lawrence, Kansas. He departed this life Monday, Jan. 31, 2011 at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach with heart-related complications.
Mark was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, where he graduated from high school. He received a degree from the University of Kansas, and through the years continued to be an avid KU sports fan. Mark was a certified Emergency Medical Technician and a certified locksmith. He was skilled at drawing and known for his keen sense of humor.
From 1993 to 2011, Mark worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). His expertise at fighting wildfires was evident as he helped to save several homes and outbuildings throughout his career. Mark served as an instructor at various fire departments and provided specific wildfire training. He also traveled west to work as a radio operator. Mark spent many hours, and sometimes days, with Mid-County, helping to put out fires on D-Road, Webster Turkey Farm Road, Mount Horeb Road and others.
I had the honor and privilege of working with Mark for seven years at the Camdenton MDC office. Many of us on the department worked with Mark on wildfires, but I am one of the lucky ones who can truly say he taught me. My very first fire was with Mark in Richland, and I think my boss let me go only because she was tired of hearing me say, "Can I go on this one?" and Mark saying "Let her go!" (I think she needed some peace and quiet in the dispatch room.) So off we went. After driving forever, we ended up on scene - burnt cedars, barren land. The incident commander sent us off into the woods and I followed Mark like a puppy, soaking up all his knowledge (and stories!). Well, learning from the master, I came away with two very important lessons. First make sure your partner's flashlight has fresh batteries - or any batteries at all -- because once the fire goes out, those barbed wire fences just seem to jump out at you. And second, if you're going to spend any amount of time on a fire, make sure it's with someone whose company you enjoy. I'll miss you, Mark. So long, my friend, so long.
Andy Wayne Byrd Jr. (13)
Andy Wayne Byrd, Jr of Camdenton, formerly of Iberia, was born in Osage Beach on May 15, 1998, son of Willetta Michelle Moreland and Andy Wayne Byrd Sr. He passed away Friday, July 29, 2011, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.
He was a Junior Volunteer Cadet Fireman for the Mid-County Fire Department. Andy donated his organs to give others a second chance at life.
He attended Camdenton Middle School and participated in seventh grade football. He was a member of the Brumley Christian Church.
He is survived by his mother, Willetta Moreland and Jeff Groves of Camdenton; his father, Andy Byrd of Kaiser; four siblings, Ashley Byrd of Springfield, Wyatt Byrd of Camdenton, Alexis Byrd of Camdenton, and Bodie Byrd of Iberia; one step brother, Jeffrey Groves of St. Joseph; one step sister, Jessica Groves of St. Joseph; maternal grandparents, Walter and Wanda Moreland of Springfield, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Ralph and Alma Byrd of Brumley; great-grandmother, Lorraine Moreland of St. James; his horse "Buck"; and numerous aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.
You have touched many lives in your short time on this earth - WE WILL MISS YOU!
Farewell! a word that must be, and hath been -
A sound which makes us linger; - yet - farewell!
~Lord Byron
Andy Wayne Byrd, Jr of Camdenton, formerly of Iberia, was born in Osage Beach on May 15, 1998, son of Willetta Michelle Moreland and Andy Wayne Byrd Sr. He passed away Friday, July 29, 2011, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.
He was a Junior Volunteer Cadet Fireman for the Mid-County Fire Department. Andy donated his organs to give others a second chance at life.
He attended Camdenton Middle School and participated in seventh grade football. He was a member of the Brumley Christian Church.
He is survived by his mother, Willetta Moreland and Jeff Groves of Camdenton; his father, Andy Byrd of Kaiser; four siblings, Ashley Byrd of Springfield, Wyatt Byrd of Camdenton, Alexis Byrd of Camdenton, and Bodie Byrd of Iberia; one step brother, Jeffrey Groves of St. Joseph; one step sister, Jessica Groves of St. Joseph; maternal grandparents, Walter and Wanda Moreland of Springfield, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Ralph and Alma Byrd of Brumley; great-grandmother, Lorraine Moreland of St. James; his horse "Buck"; and numerous aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.
You have touched many lives in your short time on this earth - WE WILL MISS YOU!
Farewell! a word that must be, and hath been -
A sound which makes us linger; - yet - farewell!
~Lord Byron
