Heroes Recognized for Ultimate Sacrifice | Kansas City News

Twenty-four Missouri first responders are being honored with the state’s highest public safety award for their extraordinary courage — and three from Kansas City are receiving the Red, White and Blue Heart Award, given to those who suffer serious injury or sacrifice their lives on duty. Among them: Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman, killed in April 2025 while helping a patient; Officer Jared Timbrook, shot four times in June 2025 but survived; and Captain Vernon Collett, who died in March 2025 during a wildfire. Their stories highlight the extreme risks these heroes face — even when saving others — and the ceremony honoring them on September 15th in Jefferson City is a powerful tribute to their unwavering service. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/de04d9e50d0a6480