New information released into death of Missouri Fire Captain
Funeral arrangements remain pending
WARRENSBURG, Mo. (KCTV) - New information about the death of a Missouri Fire Captain as his funeral arrangements continue to come together.
On Sunday, March 9, the Johnson County, Missouri, Fire Protection District announced that any donations the community would like to make to the family of late Captain Vernon Collett can be made to the District and delivered to headquarters at 122 W. Young Ave. in Warrensburg.
Around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, crews said they were called to a field in the 600 block of NE MM Highway with reports of a fast-moving half-acre fire. t. Collett arrived and began to extinguish the fire when he collapsed.
Firefighters said Collett was found nd given R as well as multiple shocks with an AED. Life-saving efforts were continued by the Johnson County Ambulance District and LifeFlight Eagle, however, they were unable to revive him.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Captain Vernon Collett, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,” Fire Chief Larry Jennings said. “His ing marks an immeasurable loss for our department, his family, and the entire community he so selflessly served. Today is a tragic day for our District and a somber reminder of the risks our firefighters face daily.”
District leaders noted that Collette served the community for 29 years with Station 6. He had served as Captain since January 2011. This is the first line of duty death in the department’s history.
District officials indicated that the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team remains on site to help the department and provide to t. Collett’s family. Funeral arrangements remain pending and will be announced when available.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
