Baxter Springs Fire Dept, Lt. Malachi Brown, Honored this weekend at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — This weekend fallen firefighter, father, husband, son and friend, Lt Malachi Brown was honored in Emmitsburg, Maryland at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Lt Brown’s widow, Jessica, and children traveled there with members of the Baxter Springs Fire Dept and other local supporters including Joplin Fire Chief Gerald Ezell.

There was a Candlelight Service on Saturday and the 2021 Memorial Service Sunday morning.

The weekend event is held annually as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. You can read more about the foundation and leave a message on Lt. Brown’s Memorial page here.

It was November 11, 2021 Lt Brown died in a Springfield, Mo. burn unit after being injured fighting a fire October 15, 2021 in Baxter Springs.

His wife Jessica told us all in a heartfelt message:

With a very heavy heart, I have to let our friends and family know that on the evening of November 10th, Malachi passed. He fought so hard for so long and we are so proud of the man he was. Thank you for all your prayers and support. We love you.” —  Jessica Brown

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A local club is helping the family of a fallen firefighter

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — The Baxter Springs Disc Golf Club is helping the family of a fallen firefighter.

Saturday morning the club held the “Frisbee’s and Firefighter’s Fundraiser for Lieutenant Malachi Brown” at Kiwanis Park.

“Being that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for our community we want to try to do what we can to help his family and take care of them,” said Charles Rector, Baxter Springs Disc Golf Club President.

More than 60 people came out Saturday morning to play in a doubles disc golf tournament to support Lieutenant Malachi Brown’s family.

“I’m a teacher here at Baxter and I have one of his kids in my class. Just seeing him and then being from Baxter and kind of knowing the families. I just wanted to do something for them,” said Rector.

Lieutenant Brown was critically injured fighting a fire on October 15, 2021.

He was in a medically induced coma and passed away from his injuries on November 10th.

“Being a small community we were pretty devastated. When it first happened we had prayer chains everything. We all took off trying to show support there. Once he passed the whole community was pretty saddened and hurt,” said Rector.

Today’s tournament raised more than $2,600 for Malachi’s family.

“I’m hoping that the money raised today can help them in any way they need it. I know that the times right now with everything going on in their lives any little bit can help,” said Rector.

“It’s pretty important to us. Really just knowing there are people out there supporting Lieutenant Brown and his family during these rough times means a whole lot to them,” said John Hunt, Baxter Springs Fire Dept. Engineer.

Kansas community comes together to help injured Firefighter

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan — The community is coming together to show its support for a Baxter Springs Firefighter who was injured on duty.

Saturday afternoon the Fire Department held a benefit for Lieutenant Malachi Brown and his family.

“It has been incredible. Kind of overwhelming at times, but small town everybody wants to help. There is about 15 fire department’s here today. It’s been really amazing to see,” said Tina Creech, Malachi’s sister-in-law.

Saturday the Baxter Springs Fire Auxiliary held a chicken and noodle dinner fundraiser at Baxter Springs High School for Lieutenant Malachi Brown.

Lieutenant Brown was critically injured fighting a fire on October 15 and is in a medically-induced coma at a Springfield hospital.

“All of the proceeds from the donation go directly to Jessie and Malachi. It’s used for things for their children at home. Travel back and forth and income, bills. Malachi and Jessie both had great jobs, and so that’s kind of on hold right now to get him better. Medical bills, just whatever medical expenses rise up that they need help with right now,” said Creech.

Malachi and Jessica’s three kids are being taken care of by family in Baxter Springs.

“They’re handling it a lot better than expected. Just because they do have support. They know that there is always going to be somebody they are still going to their activities. They’re still keeping life as normal as possible.”

Fire departments across the four states have been holding fundraisers to show their support for Lieutenant Brown and his family.

“The brotherhood of the fire service is very strong and we are so appreciative of it. We’ve had a huge response from numerous departments across the four states. The city of Joplin, Webb City, Redings Mill, Quapaw Tribe, Quapaw City, the list goes on and on. They’ve all shown support holding fundraisers of their own and sending trucks even here today from as far as Wyandotte Oklahoma. To just be here in support of Malachi and the department. We are very grateful,” said Lieutenant Karsten Creech, Baxter Springs Fire Auxiliary.