The United States and Missouri flags will fly at half-staff Thursday in honor of Affton Fire Protection District Capt. James Cova, 54, of High Ridge, who died July 9 at the Affton firehouse.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson ordered the proclamation Wednesday. Flags will fly at half-staff at all government buildings in Jefferson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City and firehouses statewide from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, July 18, the day of Cova’s funeral.
According to a press release from the AFPD, Cova was found unresponsive while on duty at the firehouse, after completing several emergency responses throughout his shift.
“Captain Cova was a true hero, committed to serving our community and his family. His loss is felt deeply by all of us,” Interim Affton Fire Chief Aaron Rhodes stated.
Cova joined the Affton Fire Protection District in 2001 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2009 and captain in 2011. He previously served with the Frontenac Fire Department from 1997 to 2001.
“Captain Jim Cova faithfully devoted over 26 years of his life to the fire service and protecting people and their property,” Parson stated in a press release. “He proudly served his community until the very end, responding to several emergency calls before suffering a medical emergency that tragically took his life. Those who served with Cova described him as ‘the calm in the storm,’ who was fully committed to his fellow first responders and community. Teresa and I are praying for Mr. Cova’s loved ones and extend to them our deepest condolences.”