Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Governor Lowers Flags in Newton County in Memory of Fallen Firefighter
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Blunt has ordered all flags on state property in Newton County to be flown at half-staff as Missouri honors the memory of a firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Neosho firefighter Tim S. Hardy, 33, was killed while working a fire at Ragland Mills in Neosho yesterday. Firefighter Hardy has served the past six years as a firefighter with the Neosho Fire Department and previously served six years as a volunteer firefighter.
"Today Missouri mourns the loss of Tim Hardy, who dedicated the last 12 years of his life in service to Missourians," Blunt said. "Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers as we remember the lives he has touched."
The fire began in a bin containing wheat hulls in one of the two 100' tall storage structures. Firefighter Hardy entered the storage structure not involved in the fire and was riding a conveyer lift to the top in an effort to get above the fire in the adjacent storage bin to put the fire out with water. Firefighter Hardy sustained fatal injuries as he was ascending the lift.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Clark Funeral Home, 312 S. Wood in Neosho from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Highway 60 and Oakridge Extension, Neosho Mo.
Flags will remain at half-staff until dusk on Nov. 10.
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