Kevin Bacon

Firefighter dies after crashing on motorcycle
BY DENISE HOLLINSHED 

ST. LOUIS • A West County firefighter, who had been honored for heroism, died after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a median on South Broadway early Saturday.

Kevin Bacon, 39, of Waterloo, was killed in the accident. Bacon was a 15year firefighter who came to West County Fire & EMS from the St. Louis Fire Department, said West County Battalion Chief Robert Kartje.

“The whole organization is feeling his loss,” Kartje said softly. “He was one of the best firefighters we had.”

Police said Bacon was traveling at a high rate of speed when the motorcycle crashed in the 3200 block of South Broadway at 3:30 a.m.

The motorcycle struck a median at Broadway and Utah Street. Bacon was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was single and had no children. Bacon was featured in a Post-Dispatch story last year in a special section on local heroes. In 2012, he saved the life of a driver who was trapped underneath an SUV.

Bacon, who was 6- foot- 3 and weighed 230 pounds, was able to lift the 3,000-pound vehicle off the driver, Norman Scherrer of Valley Park. Bacon was awarded the Class II Silver Medallion from the Greater St. Louis Fire Chiefs Association for his effort. It’s the group’s second-highest award.

In the article last year, Bacon said knowing that Scherrer was walking, talking and back with his children was better than the award.

“That’s what this job’s all about,” he said. “It’s why we come to work.

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RHFD

Richmond Heights firefighters honored for helping save 2 lives

By: DOUG MINER | 20 HOURS AGO

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Members of the Richmond Heights Fire Department were honored Thursday at St. Mary’s Health Center for their part in saving the lives of two Richmond Heights residents when they suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

Austin Bates and Cessare Chiaradonna had heart attacks in March, and both walked out of the hospital less than a week later.

Mary Fischer, who works with heart attack cases at the hospital, said the success was the result of the firefighters and hospital staff working together. Hospital staff was also recognized.

Bates said he experienced no warning before the “lights went out”, on March 5. Bystanders began CPR and called 911. Richmond Heights Fire Department arrived within three minutes of being dispatched, according to records. CPR was continued, he was shocked twice to bring back a pulse, and was taken to St. Mary’s Health Center.

Bates was not at the ceremony; he was on the West Coast for a family graduation.

On March 25, Richmond Heights Fire Department was dispatched for a 55-year-old man, Cessare Chiaradonna, who was unresponsive, lying on the floor. His wife, Jan, had called 911.

Fischer told Chiaradonna’s wife, Jan, that she did a wonderful job on the phone with the East Central Dispatch. “The reports states you started rescue breaths until Richmond Heights got there,” she said.

“911 was wonderful. They really kept me calm,” Chiaradonna said.

The fire department was able to bring back his pulse. Their scene time was 10 minutes and transport time to St. Mary’s was two minutes.

“What you accomplished in such a short time is simply amazing,” Fischer told the department.

Fire Chief Kerry Hogan said his firefighters say it’s just part of the job.

“But things like this, it makes you feel good,” he said. “I think I have some of the best-trained paramedics in the St. Louis area. Very proud of them. They do an excellent job every day.”

Hogan also said he will go back and tell the dispatchers they did a good job in the emergencies too.

Richmond Heights firefighters recognized were: Greg Steffen, Stephen Kimker, Eric Young, Michael Fox, Luke Van Cleave, Steve Niemeier, Stuart Stevens, Joe Nazzoli, Daniel Miner, Jonathan Smith, Suzanne Stahlman, Kelly Kennon and Scott Lilly.

Doug Moody

 

It is with Great sadness that I report that our Retiree Brother Doug Moody
passed this evening at 6:15 pm.
Brother Moody was retired from Creve Coeur for approximately 18 + years and was a very active member of his shop , including volunteering countless hours for MDA and the Honor Guard!
As I get funeral details I will contact each of you again and I will have a 
special request from our Retirees, once details are in place !
God Speed Brother Moody, you done your duty and now its time to rest.
Mr. Kim R. Besserman, Local 2665 Retiree Chairman
kbesser835@aol.com 
(314)-503-3473

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