{"id":2052,"date":"2017-10-13T18:59:07","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T18:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\/?page_id=2052"},"modified":"2025-04-09T10:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T15:17:00","slug":"gone-but-never-forgotten","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\/?page_id=2052","title":{"rendered":"Gone But Never Forgotten"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/div>

Gone...But Never Forgotten...<\/h2><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text]Captain James Cova, Affton F.P.D.
\n<\/strong>Dates of Service: \u00a0August 1996 – July 9, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n

“I<\/strong>f you love what you do, you\u2019ll never work a day in your life\u201d ~ Captain Jim Cova<\/span><\/strong>
\nCaptain Jim \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Cova is remembered as a loving, devoted husband and father with a heart of gold, always willing to help anyone in need, inside and outside of work. Captain Cova was born and raised in Affton, MO and proudly served in his hometown community until the very end, responding to several emergency calls before suffering a medical emergency that tragically took his life on July 9, 2024. Those who served with him described Captain Cova as \u201cthe calm in the storm\u201d. He was a great leader, firefighter, family man and friend. He loved saving animals and took every rescue call without hesitation, saving countless, cats, dogs, birds, ducks, etc.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Jim Cova started his career August 1996 serving at both Berkeley and Frontenac Fire Department before returning to serve in his hometown at Affton F.P.D. on September 15, 2001 where he served for 23 of his 28-year career. Jimmy Cova lived out a firefighter\u2019s dream, holding nearly every position, FF\/EMT, FF\/Paramedic, Hazmat Tech, Engineer, Lieutenant and in 2011 was promoted to Captain. Jim completed numerous State and Federal certifications. He held the level of MO State Fire Officer II and held the level of Chief Officer II from the International Association of Fire Chiefs. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJimmy was a natural leader, he imparted knowledge when it was due, and listened when it was time to learn. He was gentle, he was kind, confident and courageous to name a few of his endearing qualities. Jim never complained \u2026. He loved being a firefighter. Jimmy put everyone else\u2019s needs above his own on every call. He cared for his crew like we were one of his family, because we were. We were family that\u2019s the Cova way, and no one could tell him otherwise. Jim is a role model to us all. He treated everyone he met with respect and led by example. You were never asked or expected to do anything he would not do himself. No job or task was beneath Jimmy.\u201d Jordan Levinson, Engineer AFPD. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Captain Jim Cova Foundation was created to honor his legacy and carry on his mission to inspire others to enter the fire service. Please visit the Captain Jim Cova Foundation Scholarship on our website under \u201cMore Information\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fire Chief Jerry Buehne, Affton F.P.D.
\n<\/strong>Dates of Service: \u00a0October 15, 1962 – March 10, 2005<\/span><\/p>\n

“Chief Buehne was a firefighter’s Chief,” said Affton Fire Protection District said Chief John Rausch. “He was down to earth, honest and trustworthy. \u00a0Everyone loved him as a brother.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry was promoted to Captain in 1972 and to Assistant Chief in 1979. \u00a0In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Chief. \u00a0He was actively involved with training throughout his entire career. \u00a0He was member of the Greater St. Louis Area Training Coordinates and an instructor at the St. Louis County Fire Academy since its inception. \u00a0The fire service was his life and one of his loves, along with his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry was killed in the line of duty while on his way to a South County Chief’s meeting when a man fleeing a felony and driving at a high rate of speed lost control of his vehicle and struck Jerry’s staff vehicle head on.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jerry was a friend to all. \u00a0His positive outlook, mild manner and love of life were his strongest attributes. \u00a0He was truly a gentleman. \u00a0He died with his pocket bible in his breast pocket which probably speaks the most of this man and his life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

(National Fallen Firefighters Foundation site)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Firefighter Louis Berra, West County E.M.S. & F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nLou was 48 years old and lived with his wife and two children in St. Peters. Lou was a Paramedic\/Firefighter who had proudly been a member of West County EMS and Fire Protection District and IAFF Local 2665 for 11 years and served 12 years for the Frontenac Fire Department. Lou was an\u00a0avid marathon runner and cyclist. \u00a0(Lou is # 18)<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain William Booth, Sr., Riverview F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nMarch 24, 1983<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Robert Brehm, Shrewsbury F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJanuary 13, 1977<\/span><\/p>\n

Volunteer William Brogdon, Spanish Lake F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJanuary 22, 1960<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Donald Capra, Creve Coeur F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJanuary 29, 1960<\/span><\/p>\n

Lt. William Deutsch, Sr., Gardenville F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJuly 14, 1974<\/span><\/p>\n

Firefighter\/EMT Henry G. Dye, Normandy F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nDates of Service: \u00a0August 8, 1986 – June 24, 2001<\/span><\/p>\n

Firefighter Henry Dye began his career with the Normandy Fire District on August 8, 1986. Firefighter Dye was an energetic, dedicated firefighter who proudly served the district for 15 years until his death. \u00a0(Text compiled by Firefighter Jennifer Barbarrotto, Normandy FPD.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Firefighter\/Paramedic Ryan Hummert, Maplewood F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJuly 21, 2008<\/span><\/p>\n

Firefighter\/Paramedic Hummert\u00a0began serving the Maplewood Fire Department\u00a0in August 2007. \u00a0Ryan died July 21, 2008 from injuries received in the line of\u00a0duty. \u00a0The 22-year-old rookie firefighter was ambushed and shot while battling\u00a0what appeared to be a routine truck fire in Maplewood. Ryan was a leader with a gentle heart, a cool head, and a cunning sense of humor. \u00a0His sister, Ashley, says Ryan had a knack for one-liners. One of his favorite words was “chilaxing” – his way of saying he was “chilling out” and “relaxing”.<\/span><\/p>\n

Private Thomas Leffingwell, Mehlville F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJuly 3, 1973<\/span><\/p>\n

Chief George H. Manetzke, Jr., Eureka F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nNovember 11, 1971<\/span><\/p>\n

Private Raymond Meyer, Hazelwood F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nNovember 25, 1976<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain\/Chief Medical Officer Dennis Mignerone, Webster Groves F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJuly 7, 1976 – January 21, 2003<\/span><\/p>\n

Dennis died in the line of duty on January 21, 2003 and will be missed by all who knew him. Dennis was a loving husband and father, a true friend and a dedicated professional who was always willing to help others in need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deputy Chief Mark Parrish, Normandy F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nDates of Service: \u00a0March 4, 1978 – October 20, 2004<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1978, at the age of 24, Mark Parrish fulfilled a life goal and became a\u00a0firefighter with the\u00a0Normandy F.P.D. \u00a0Mark became a captain in 1983 and was\u00a0promoted to Deputy Chief in\u00a02001. \u00a0“Firefighting was his life, 24 hours a day,\u00a0seven days a week and 365 days a year”,\u00a0said Deputy Chief Mike Chapman. \u00a0“The Fire Department was Mark’s family.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Deputy Chief Parrish was also involved with public safety efforts outside the department. He was on the\u00a0staff as the counter terrorism instructor at the Fire and Rescue Training Institute in Columbia, MO. \u00a0He\u00a0also trained at the FBI Academy several times throughout his career. Mark was very active with the\u00a0annual charity event Guns ‘N Hoses, making sure that tickets for this event were distributed to local police\u00a0and fire departments. \u00a0Mark also was involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. \u00a0Mark was an\u00a0avid fisherman who enjoyed many fishing trips to the Lake of the Ozarks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Firefighter\/Medic Brad Pierce, St. Charles F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nBrad Pierce served the St. Charles Fire Department as a Firefighter\/Paramedic from<\/span>
\nMarch 11, 1999 until his death on August 6, 2000.<\/span><\/p>\n

Known as “Moose” to his co-workers, Brad was a member of the Firefighter Combat Challenge Team in 1999 and 2000. \u00a0Brad served as an emergency medical instructor, as well as an adult supervisor of St. Charles Fire Department Explorer Post # 9491. \u00a0Brad was an active member of IAFF Local # 757. Brad died in the line of duty on August 6, 2000. \u00a0He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, and firefighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Assistant Chief Fred T. Ray, Normandy F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nDates of Service: \u00a0September 1, 1968 – February 4, 2001<\/span><\/p>\n

Assistant Chief Fred Ray joined the Normandy Fire District on September 1, 1968. Assistant Chief Ray was great leader who proudly served the district for 33 years until his death. \u00a0(Text compiled by Firefighter Jennifer Barbarrotto, Normandy FPD.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Private Joseph Ritter, Affton F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nDecember 13, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain John Simon, Lemay F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nCaptain John Simon , who served with the Lemay F.P.D. for 24 years died on October 19, 2003 after a short battle with cancer. \u00a0In his early teens, he volunteered as a junior firefighter at the Gardenville F.D. in Affton. \u00a0John began his career with the\u00a0Lemay\u00a0Fire Protection District in 1979 where he attained the rank of captain in 1996. From 1979 to 2002, John was an instructor at the St. Louis County Fire Academy, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief Instructor. \u00a0In 1996, the 39th Recruit Class of the\u00a0Academy\u00a0was dedicated to John. \u00a0John was a dedicated firefighter and instructor and\u00a0truly loved what\u00a0he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Raymond F. Trog, Chesterfield F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nMarch 2, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

Private William Walls, Rock Community F.P.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJune 5, 1995<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Clarence Zeilmann, Berkeley F.D.<\/strong><\/span>
\nNovember 14, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

Hymn to the Fallen Hero’s<\/span><\/h4>\n

Young and aged<\/span>
\nvolunteer and career,<\/span>
\nman and woman<\/span>
\nof all races and colors,<\/span>
\nyou left aching hearts behind.<\/span>
\nAn eternal flame<\/span>
\nwarms your names<\/span>
\ninscribed on cold, lifeless plaques<\/span>
\naround this stone cairn.<\/span>
\nIn the hearts you left behind<\/span>
\nyour memories abide<\/span>
\nin undying gratitude.<\/span>
\nYou asked nothing more<\/span>
\nYou knew the risks,<\/span>
\nserved without fear<\/span>
\nand paid the highest price.<\/span>
\nYou embody a quality<\/span>
\nof which many only dream.<\/span>
\nYour selflessness for others<\/span>
\nis now your eternal crown.<\/span>
\nO fallen comrades,<\/span>
\ngive us all this quality<\/span>
\nthat we may more fittingly<\/span>
\nprolong your memory.<\/span>
\n…. Anonymous<\/span><\/p>\n

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[vc_row type=”vc_default”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1498229431694{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Captain James Cova, Affton F.P.D. Dates of Service: \u00a0August 1996 – July 9, 2024 “If you love what you do, you\u2019ll never work a day in your life\u201d ~ Captain Jim Cova Captain Jim \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Cova is remembered as a loving, devoted husband and father with a heart of gold, always…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1113,"menu_order":100,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2052","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"yoast_head":"\nGone But Never Forgotten - St. Louis County Fire Academy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\/?page_id=2052\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Gone But Never Forgotten - St. Louis County Fire Academy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[vc_row type=”vc_default”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1498229431694{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Captain James Cova, Affton F.P.D. Dates of Service: \u00a0August 1996 – July 9, 2024 “If you love what you do, you\u2019ll never work a day in your life\u201d ~ Captain Jim Cova Captain Jim \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Cova is remembered as a loving, devoted husband and father with a heart of gold, always…\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\/?page_id=2052\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"St. Louis County Fire Academy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-09T15:17:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=2052\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=2052\",\"name\":\"Gone But Never Forgotten - St. Louis County Fire Academy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2017-10-13T18:59:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-09T15:17:00+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=2052#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=2052\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=2052#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"About St. Louis County Fire Academy\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?page_id=1113\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Gone But Never Forgotten\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"St. Louis County Fire Academy\",\"description\":\"Certification for Employment at St. Louis County Fire Service Agencies\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Gone But Never Forgotten - St. Louis County Fire Academy","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.stlcofireacademy.com\/?page_id=2052","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Gone But Never Forgotten - St. Louis County Fire Academy","og_description":"[vc_row type=”vc_default”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1498229431694{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Captain James Cova, Affton F.P.D. 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