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WITH $500 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CHILD. BREAKING NEWS FROM THE KANSAS CITY MISSOURI FIRE DEPARTMENT. A SPOKESMAN SAYS AN EMT HAS DIED FROM COVID-19. THE VICTIM WAS IN HIS SIXTIES WHO HAD BEEN WITH THE DEPART

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Kansas City Fire Department said one of the city's EMTs has died from COVID-19."I am sad to report that KCFD EMT Billy Birmingham lost his battle with COVID-19 this afternoon. He was part of the KCFD family for the past 10 years, but part of the MAST family for many years prior," said KCFD Fire Chief Donna Maize in a news release. "His passing represents a personal loss to all of us who knew him and cherished both his friendship and professionalism."Birmingham had worked for the Fire Department since 2010 and prior to that had worked with the Metropolitan Ambulance Service since 1998. Eight KCFD firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. One has already returned to duty and three are almost ready for duty, according to spokesman for the Fire Department.Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas released a statement:“I am heartbroken by the death of a longtime Kansas City Fire Department EMT, who tragically passed away this afternoon due to COVID-related complications. We will share further details about his life and service at a later time, but for now my heart goes out to his family, his friends, and all in KCFD who remember his selfless service to Kansas City. “We all must continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent any further spread of this terrible disease and to best support our first responders and health workers who give it all for us.”Lucas said the city will turn on the Firefighter’s Fountain and Memorial at Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street Tuesday to honor the EMT's life and service.