SEDALIA, Mo. -- A Sedalia firefighter died Thursday night in a Columbia hospital after he was badly burned in a fire here last week.
Rick Morris, a 33-year veteran of the Sedalia Fire Department, died at University Hospital in Columbia, said hospital house manager Lisa Wilkinson.
Morris had been at the hospital since April 8. He suffered second- and third-degree burns over half his body while fighting a house fire at 1209 S. Kentucky Ave.
Mayor Bob Wasson said that Morris' death is "really a tragic thing. It's been an up-and-down thing for the last few days. I was just in hopes we wouldn't get that call."
Morris was burned during a flashover, which happens when a fire rolls over a gap because of intense heat. He was wearing fire apparatus that protected his lungs, and he received immediate first aid from his fellow firefighters at the house. He was airlifted to Columbia.
Just after the accident, the city issued a statement that doctors expected Morris to recover.
Fire Chief Mike Ditzfeld Thursday evening declined to speak to the Democrat, and deferred to a news release from the City of Sedalia. In the release, Ditzfeld said: "We are extremely saddened by the tragic loss of a man who spent three decades serving our community. I ask the community to join my department and me in keeping Mary Lou Morris and her family in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragedy."
The mayor, City Council and city employees "express their deepest sympathies to the Morris family during this difficult time. Rick Morris was a dedicated professional who touched the lives of many people, not only on the job but as a member of our community, during his long career with the Sedalia Fire Department," the news release said. "Rick will be missed by his fellow firefighters, the department and the City of Sedalia."
Deputy Chief Don Meier told the Democrat last week that, aside from cuts, sprains and a car accident, "This is the first major firefighter injury I can remember."
The International Association of Firefighters Local 823 had established a fund for the Morris family at U.S. Bank.
Republished with permission of The Sedalia Democrat.
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