The 33-year-old firefighter/paramedic who passed away on Tuesday after a training exercise has been recognised by the Kansas City Fire Department.
Just before noon on Tuesday, Kyle Brinker experienced a medical issue during the training exercise, according to KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.
According to Grundyson, Brinker joined the KCFD in 2013 and had been a veteran for 11 years. He worked mostly at Station 35, which is one of the busiest stations in Kansas City.
He was most recently with the Technical Rescue Division.
“Kyle was a dedicated firefighter-paramedic who operated at the highest level of skill and compassion,” Grundyson said. “He was a mentor and role model for many, exemplifying the qualities KCFD looks for in our uniformed personnel.”
Grundyson continued saying “One of Kyle’s co-workers best summarized Kyle when he posted, ‘Your awkward smile was infectious. Your sense of humour was unmatched. You didn’t complain. You didn’t cower under pressure. You set an example many people, myself included, looked up to. You showed the highest of qualities in every facet of life. You will always be a hero of mine. Kyle, you will never know how badly you will be missed. Rest easy, brother.”’
When FOX4 visited Station 35 on Wednesday, they observed that Brinker and the station received support and prayer from an organisation called “Community Care Chaplains.”
“I was headed back to Liberty and got the call that there was one that had fallen. We wanted to make sure we showed up and showed them that we care and that we love them.” Sarita Graham, a Community Care Chaplain said. “I have also experienced losing a child. So, I know what it feels like and it’s good to give back to someone else. We came to show our love towards them, to let them know we care and if you need us we are there for you.”
“We never know what they are going to go into. We wanted to let them know, as chaplains, and as men and women of God. We are going to pray for them. Love on them,” Steven Miller, a Community Care Chaplain shared.
On Wednesday, a group of Community Care Chaplains expressed their sorrow and left flowers.
“Every day, our firefighters, our first responders go out and they don’t know if they are coming back,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared. “This is absolutely heartbreaking. My condolences go to his family.”
Brinker leaves behind a sibling who is still a KCFD firefighter and a wife.
Funeral plans are being worked on by KCFD and the family; details will be released in the next several days.
