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Final Alarm for Shawnee Firefighter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-904556.mp3

Leawood, Kan. – Firefighters from around the Midwest joined colleagues, friends and family of Shawnee Firefighter John Glaser today at his memorial service. Glaser was killed fighting a house fire this past weekend.

Eulogies at a Leawood, Kansas church centered on common themes: Call to duty, commitment to country and commitment to community.

John Glaser died inside a burning house as he searched for occupants. Shawnee Fire Chief Jeff Hudson came up through the ranks and knew intimately the conditions Glaser faced in the heat and smoke.

"I cannot think of a more brave or heroic act that exemplifies call to duty than the sacrifice made by John last Saturday night," Hudson said.

Ceremonial chrome-plated fire axes held by an honor guard glinted in the sun as Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson presented a flag to Glaser's widow Amber and his small daughter. Then his final alarm was sounded, one of the most moving moments of a firefighter's funeral.

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