Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Missouri Safe

Missouri is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Missouri first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Detective Jacob Shroyer and Officer Richard DuChaine (Kansas City)— In October 2024, Detective Shroyer and Officer DuChaine of the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) were recognized for saving the life of a woman who had stopped breathing. Shroyer, who was off duty but listening to dispatch, rushed to the scene and pulled the woman from her vehicle. DuChaine arrived moments later and began chest compressions while Shroyer assisted with CPR until EMS provided oxygen. The woman survived, and her husband later texted to thank the officers, saying, “I’m sure that if you had not acted as quickly as you did, she would not be with us.” Read more here.

Firefighter/Paramedic Drew Goodale (Cape Girardeau) — Firefighter/Paramedic Goodale, then of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, received the Medal of Valor in 2024 for saving a man’s life while off-duty. While dining at a restaurant in New Hamburg, he learned of a nearby house fire and rushed to the scene with the restaurant owner. Seeing flames and hearing moans from inside, Goodale entered without protective gear, located the severely burned resident and pulled him to safety. He and the restaurant owner provided medical aid until emergency crews arrived, and Goodale assisted further during the victim’s air evacuation. Read more here.

Officer James Mora (O’Fallon) — Officer Mora of the O’Fallon Police Department was praised for his compassionate and decisive response during a mental health crisis involving a 13-year-old boy. In October 2023, Officers arrived at the Sonderen Street overpass to find the teen straddling the railing and threatening to jump, prompting traffic to be shut down and semitruck drivers to position their trailers below. Mora spent several minutes calmly engaging the boy, even showing him a photo of his dog to build trust. When the moment was right, he pulled the teen to safety, an act described by the department as “selfless and quick.” Read more here.

Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Drury (St. Charles) — Firefighter/Paramedic Drury was recognized for his heroic, off-duty actions that saved two people trapped inside a burning home. While passing a mobile home park in January 2024, Drury heard the emergency call and detoured to the scene, arriving with a St. Charles police officer before fire crews. He entered the smoke-filled house, locating the victims through heavy smoke and clutter. From there, Drury dragged them to the front door, where first responders helped pull them to safety. Read more here.

Officer Alexis Parrott (Warrensburg) — Parrott, an officer at the University of Central Missouri Police Department, provided lifesaving care during a medical emergency at the Central Missouri Police Academy. While visiting the academy, she stepped in when police cadet Kaylee Sanders suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest during training. Parrott, one of two EMTs on the force, began CPR immediately until first responders arrived and used an AED twice to restart Sanders’ heart. Sanders later woke up in the hospital and said of Parrott, “She honestly saved my life.” Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Missouri to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!