Tobben, nine others honored in fallen firefighter memorial service Sunday
Alison Patton
KINGDOM CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Matthew Tobben, Boone County Fire Protection District assistant fire chief, was honored Saturday at a memorial service for fallen fighters. A total of 10 firefighters who died while on duty were honored at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri.
Tobben died last July during a water rescue while trying to save two people from flooding in Columbia’s Bear Creek.
Before coming to Boone County in May 2024, the 42-year-old served with Missouri Task Force 1 for 12 years and was previously with the fire department in Union, Missouri, for 19 years.
Brian Zinanni, Supporting Heroes survivor outreach cooridinator, works directly with families who lost a familiy member in the line of duty. He worked with all 10 families who had someone honored Saturday.
Zinanni said families told him the memorial service is a heavy day.
“They always want to know that their loved one’s not been forgotten, yet it’s another reminder of what happened. So, it’s mixed emotions many times for them,” Zinanni said.
Chris Shafer lost his son to a post traumatic stress disorder incident after Matthew Shafer worked his last shift with the Lawson Fire-Rescue Protection District in 2021.
Chris said the service brings up a mix of emotions.
“Everyday is really hard. You know, it’s a hole in your heart that never goes away, but I’m proud of my boy,” Chris said.
Chris told ABC 17 his son is the first PTSD-related on-duty death that has been nationally recognized.
The Johnson County Fire Protection District lost Captain Vernon Collett in March. Collett had a medical emergency while putting out a controlled burn that went out of control, according to a press release from the Missouri Department of Safety.
Fire Chief Larry Jennings said his whole team felt the loss.
“We’ve had several meetings, and we’ve had the opportunity to talk through it and deal with it. We have collectively, I think, mourned,” Jennings said.
The memorial service follows a candlelight vigil Saturday honoring Missouri’s fallen firefighters.
“Missourians are indebted to the members of the fire service who courageously gave their lives in the line of duty,” Governor Mike Kehoe was quoted in the press release. “They acted as true heroes, shielding others from harm and protecting homes and businesses.”