In memory of Captain Vernon Collett

Vernon Collett, Captain of Johnson County Fire Protection District, a firefighter / EMS, died in the line of duty on March 8, 2025 in Warrensburg, MO.

Record

• Rank: Captain
• Department: Johnson County Fire Protection District
• Location: Warrensburg, MO
• End of watch: March 8, 2025
• Nature of death: Cardiovascular Event/Heart Attack
• Years of service: 29
• Age: 60

Circumstances

Captain Vernon Collett responded to a natural cover fire. He was the first on scene and established command. Captain Collett was discovered unresponsive and not breathing by the crew on the brush truck. CPR was initiated by the first arriving crew, then an ambulance arrived to begin advanced life support, and an air medical helicopter arrived a few minutes later. Resuscitation attempts were terminated, however, and Captain Collett was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of death was a sudden cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction.

This record appears on the RESPONDin line-of-duty memorial wall, a public remembrance of first responders who died in the line of duty. Source: usfa import.