RESOLUTION NO. 220644

title
Recognizing Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Covington and Firefighter Joseph Disciacca for their heroic actions following the Amtrak train derailment on June 27, 2022. near Mendon, Missouri.

body
WHEREAS, Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Covington and Firefighter Joseph Disciacca were aboard the Southwest Chief on route to Chicago, Illinois for training when the train struck a dump truck; and
WHEREAS, the crash occurred at a crossing that did not have arms or signals, which is common in rural areas, and sadly resulted in four fatalities and about 150 serious injuries; and

WHEREAS, upon derailment Covington and Disciacca immediately began to utilize their training to save lives and evacuate passengers and staff from the eight derailed train cars; and

WHEREAS, Covington and Disciacca began to direct people on scene, including a Boy Scout Troop, to lift people out of the train and mark the train cars with a crowbar to indicate lives saved and those still trapped; and

WHEREAS, Covington and Disciacca went above and beyond what was expected of them at the time and saved dozens of lives and prevented further serious injuries; and

WHEREAS, we thank Battalion Chief Todd Covington and Firefighter Joseph Disciacca for their actions, bravery, and utilization of their Kansas City Fire Department training to spring into action; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize Battalion Chief Todd Covington and Firefighter Joseph Disciacca for their heroic actions following the Amtrak train derailment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Battalion Chief Todd Covington and Firefighter Joseph Disciacca with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for their diligence in going abo...

Click here for full text