Independence firefighter who died was a father of 10, served department for 23 years
David F. Jameson Jr. has been identified by the city as the Independence firefighter who died after suffering from a medical emergency while on a fire call Thursday.
Jameson, a 52-year-old father of 10, served the Independence Fire Department for 23 years as a firefighter and a hazardous-material technician, Fire Chief Doug Short said in a statement on Friday. Jameson spent the majority of his career working out of Station 5 in the southwest part of the city, Short said.
“David’s passing was a sudden and unexpected loss for the department and his family,” Short said, adding that Jameson also leaves behind his mother, grandmother, two brothers and two sisters.
“The City of Independence and IAFF Local 781 would like to express our condolences to the family of David and will proudly honor his passing with the most fitting Fire Service traditions,” Short continued. “He will be sadly missed by his brothers and sisters serving in the Fire Service.”
Jameson died Thursday after experiencing a medical issue while responding to a fire.
The fire department was called to investigate a report of a residential fire around 1 p.m. Thursday in the 9600 block of 33rd Street South. Jameson’s station responded.
When crews arrived, the firefighter reported feeling short of breath. He remained in the truck while others responded to the fire, which was determined to be an illegal open burn, according to a previous statement from the city.
When they returned to the pumper truck, the news release stated, crews found the firefighter unresponsive.
Crews began rendering aid to the firefighter and he was taken to Centerpoint Medical Center in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.
Details of services and a memorial are expected to be announced at a later time.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 4:29 PM.
