VFW Honors Three KCKFD Firefighters with National & State Awards
Published on May 02, 2023
On Monday, May 1, 2023, the Veterans of Foreign (VFW), along with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) hosted an awards ceremony at KCKFD Fire Headquarters to recognize Captain Mark Millstead, Sr., and Firefighter Hue Yang with the State Firefighters of the Year award, and Firefighter Dylan Alexander with the National & State Firefighter of the Year award.
Captain Millstead, along with Firefighters Dylan Alexander and Hue Yang were nominated and selected for state and national firefighters of the year based on their life-saving actions on November 26, 2022, at an apartment complex fire on Rainbow Boulevard. Their dedication, proper training tactics and quick thinking saved the lives of five civilians in the fire.
“I am proud to witness the recognition of our firefighters doing their duty for our citizens,” said County Administrator, David Johnston. “The fact that this recognition comes from such an honorable organization, the VFW, whose members served to protect our freedom is very humbling. Whether the service is provided here in our hometown, or overseas, both often at great peril, the men, and women of both of these organizations deserve our respect and thanks. I do know that our firefighters appreciate the recognition of a job well done.”
Through an extensive state and national nomination process, the VFW receives nomination letters each year for public servants that go above and beyond their daily normal scope of work. Recommendations for these state and national awards are submitted from colleagues or community members the nominees serve. During the nomination and selection process, VFW committee members evaluate the individuals for continuous growth in responsibilities, proven skills within their profession, as well as official responsibilities over a period of years.
“Thank you to the VFW for recognizing the hard work and dedication of three of our KCKFD firefighters,” said Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. “Everyday firefighters risk their lives to save so many in our community. I am extremely proud of Captain Millstead, and firefighters Yang and Alexander! Your selfless and heroic actions make you extremely deserving to be celebrated.”
Family members, friends, Unified Government elected officials, and VFW representatives joined the ceremony to celebrate the great recognition received by Captain Millstead, Firefighter Yang and Firefighter Alexander. Recognition remarks were made by Mayor Tyrone Garner, County Administrator David Johnston, 1st Deputy Chief Jack Andrade, Assistant Chief Bryan Hendin, and VFW Chaplain Jim Jenkins.
CAPTAIN MARK MILLSTEAD SR: STATE FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Captain Millstead has been with the KCKFD for over 33 years.
Firefighter Hue Yang: State Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter Yang has been a firefighter with the KCKFD for over 16 years.
FIREFIGHTER DYLAN ALEXANDER: STATE & NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Firefighter Alexander has been a firefighter with the KCKFD for over 7 years.
5/1/2023 Awards Ceremony Photos
Let’s congratulate and honor the hard work and dedication exhibited by Captain Millstead, and Firefighters Yang and Alexander. Combined these three amazing firefighters have over 56 years of fire experience with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department.
More Information
To learn more about the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization and the National Awards for Public Servants, please visit.