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Kansas City firefighters die when part of building collapses

In a news conference, Kansas City Fire Chief Paul Berardi confirmed Larry Leggio and John Mesh made the ultimate sacrifice after saving two people from a structure fire.

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Tragically, it became a fresh reality for Kansas City on Monday night when two firefighters perished after a wall of a three-story building in the city’s Northeast collapsed outward. The building partially collapsed while the two firefighters were trying to leave the building.

Kansas City authorities have identified two firefighters who were killed when a wall collapsed on them in a burning building.

“If you just realized that you’ve lost an immediate family member, it’s the same thing”, Galvin said.

“It was so close to home and I heard a few firefighters got injured so I wanted to see what was going on”, he said. We wish to recognize all those who have extended their condolences and greatly appreciate the outpouring of compassion from our community’s leadership, our citizens, and our brothers and sisters in the protective services.

Funeral arrangements were pending for Leggio, who was married, and Mesh, who leaves a wife and four young daughters, the department said.

Despite being afraid, brown, who has lived in the apartment here for eight years, was on a mission to save her neighbors. As the crew evacuated people, parts of the building started collapsing.

The Wichita Fire Department is now in the process of conducting a few of it’s basic skills training, which will take about three weeks for all firefighters to go through. Cpt.

Mayor Sly James expressed his condolences for families of the fallen firefighters.

Third baseman Mike Moustakas, catcher Drew Butera, pitcher Jeremy Guthrie and outfielder Alex Gordon also were spotted in fire-department gear.

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Leggio and Mesh died at the scene, the fire department said Monday, and two firefighters were taken to the hospital. The last time a KCFD firefighter died in the line of duty was January 7, 2011, according to the global Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 42. “To protect the public”, Berardi said.

Fire scene Monday night in Kansas City's Old Northeast Neighborhood