2023 Blue KC Answering the Call Honoree Jeff Kinnison
The August recipient is Jeff Kinnison…..who has impacted our community in a big way during his 33 years of service in the Kansas City fire department.
Jeff has continued a generational family legacy of fire-fighting in Kansas City. His father and step-grandfather each had long careers with the fire departments. Growing up with that influence, Jeff knew at an early age what he wanted to do….that is, if he wasn’t able to be a professional baseball player!
He was a multi-sport athlete in high school at Raytown South and then stayed in the metropolitan area to play baseball at Longview Community College. It’s his first love. Always has been. And he has coached baseball teams from the moment he left college to today.
The other passion that was built into his blood was serving others as a fire-fighter. He recently retired after just over 33 years with KCFD for nearly half of that tenure, he served in the crucial role as captain. His goal every day as a leader in that position was to send his crew home safe and sound after successfully responding to the ever-present dangers of the profession.
Uniquely, during the past 20 years, Jeff has also worked on the Kansas City Royals grounds crew at Kauffman stadium. With a fire-fighters schedule of working 24-hour shifts and then off 48 hours, jeff worked at the “K” during all of his off days. This rare combination of fire-fighting and working in baseball has fueled both of his life passions.
By the way, the family tradition as fire-fighters has taken the next step. Jeff’s nephew is now following in his footsteps and will be serving our community for years to come.
For his long-time commitment to Kansas City, Jeff will be honored with the Blue KC Answering the Call award at the Royals game this Friday night at the “K”. A huge thanks goes out to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City for presenting this award and congratulations to this month’s honoree, Jeff Kinnison!
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Blue KC Answering the Call Program
