KC Reporter

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe has directed that U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard County Firefighter Larry Roland Duncan. The flags will be lowered on January 26, 2025, from sunrise to sunset at government buildings in Howard County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide.

Governor Kehoe stated, “Larry Roland Duncan dedicated 23 years of his life to the fire service and answering the call no matter the emergency, including responding to Ground Zero as a member of Missouri Task Force 1.” He further highlighted Duncan's efforts at Ground Zero: “At the New York City site where the Twin Towers once stood, Firefighter Duncan and his Task Force 1 colleagues spent days exposed to toxic contaminants as they scoured the rubble looking for survivors of the terrorist attack. We honor his relentless commitment to serving others, regardless of the risk to himself.”

Duncan served as a Heavy Rigging Specialist with Task Force 1 from 1998 to 2003. His firefighting career began in 1984 with roles in Cooper County Fire Protect District, Boone County Fire Protection District, and Howard County Fire Protection District. He passed away on January 15, 2025, after battling cancer related to his work following the September 11 attacks.

The decision to lower flags coincides with Duncan's funeral services. Further details can be found in an official proclamation.