In honor of Missouri’s fallen firefighters, Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red from sunset on Saturday, October 3, 2026, until sunrise on Monday, October 5, 2026. The lighting coincides with ceremonies held in remembrance of the state’s firefighters who have paid the ultimate price for their dedicated service.
“We are forever indebted to the firefighters who paid the ultimate price for their commitment to others and willingness to risk everything during a house fire, a vehicle crash, or a natural disaster,” said Governor Kehoe. “We light the Capitol dome red this weekend to honor the fallen and their families, and to reaffirm our continued support for the entire fire service community.”
On Saturday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m., the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City for all Missouri firefighters who have died while serving their communities.
On Sunday, October 4, at 10:30 a.m., the foundation will hold a memorial service at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.
Governor Kehoe has proclaimed October 4 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri.
“Missouri’s annual memorial services for fallen firefighters continue to grow as awareness of the fire service’s stalwart heroes increases,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Matt Luetkemeyer. “Illuminating the Capitol dome red expands that awareness and affirms our deep appreciation for the protectors of fire services who laid down their lives as they ran toward danger.”
Photos of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. A livestream of Sunday’s memorial service will be provided on the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri's Facebook and YouTube.
The Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri is located at 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection). In case of inclement weather, the events will be moved to Auxvasse Elementary School, 650 E. Harrison St., Auxvasse, MO 65231.
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