Johnson County Fire Captain Dies While Fighting Natural Cover Fire
On Saturday, the Johnson County Fire Protection District announced the line of duty death of Captain Vernon Collett.
Captain Collett collapsed Saturday afternoon while actively fighting a natural cover fire on Route MM.
Despite nearly an hour of lifesaving efforts at the scene, he was declared deceased. Captain Collett served 29 years in the Johnson County Fire Protection District, according to PIO Capt. Joe Jennings.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a firefighter fatality notification on Monday and the flags at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland are now flying at half-staff in honor of Captain Vernon Collett.
Funeral arrangements for fallen Captain Vernon Collett have been scheduled for Friday, March 14. The visitation and funeral will both take place at Heartland Church, located at 777 NE 23 Highway, Knob Noster, Mo., 65336, and both are open to the public.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m.. Captain Collett will receive full fire service honors during the funeral at Heartland Church. A fire service escort will accompany Captain Collett and his family from Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, beginning at 9:30 AM.
The escort will follow a route to Heartland Church, which has yet to be determined. The public is encouraged to show support by lining the route once it is announced. Those attending the visitation and funeral are encouraged to arrive before the escort due to roadway and parking limitations at the church.
Following the funeral, a private graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Dunksburg for family, friends, members of the District, and the Johnson County Road and Bridge Department. This portion of the service is not open to the public.
Monetary contributions to support the Collett family can be made payable to the District and delivered to District Headquarters at 122 W. Young Avenue, Warrensburg, Mo. 64093.
Memorial contributions in honor of Captain Collett may be made to the Ronald McDonald House and left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, 617 N. Maguire Street, Warrensburg, Mo. 64093.
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