11/18/2023
From the Office of the Chief: It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Captain John Parison (JP). Captain Parison passed peacefully with his family by his side after succumbing to his battle with cancer.
Courage, Honor, Integrity, Humility, Knowledge, Respect, and Love. Captain John Parison embodied all these qualities. Captain Parison was passionate and loved his family, friends, KCFD (Kansas City Fire Department), and the citizens he served.
Captain Parison was a true leader and mentor who understood you cannot control what happens; you can only control your reaction. He believed in personal accountability and being a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Captain Parison considered it his mission and responsibility to pass on his knowledge and wisdom to every firefighter he encountered. To build a legacy of mentorship and compassionate public service, teaching them to stand on their own two feet and doing it better than those who came before them.
Captain Parison was a kind and caring man with compassion for everyone he met. His love for this department, the citizens of Kansas City, and his drive to be the best he could be was evident in how he conducted himself and treated others. Captain Parison was a true public servant and the epitome of what we, as firefighters, should strive to be. As we grieve this loss and look for ways to honor him. Do so by carrying on his legacy of Courage, Honor, Integrity, Humility, Knowledge, Respect, and Love.
Captain John Parison (JP), You will be missed. Thank you for your service.
Interim Chief
Ross Grundyson
Kansas City Fire Department
