AFFTON, Mo. – A captain with the Affton Fire Protection District was found dead Tuesday afternoon while on his shift.
Captain James “Jim” Cova, described as a “gentle giant” by colleagues and widely respected among firefighter brethren across south St. Louis County, was found unresponsive in his room at Affton Fire Station 1 on Gravois Road.
Cova was 54.
According to Lt. Jason Brice, a district spokesman, Cova had answered several calls that day and completed several emergency responses.
Firefighters at the station were getting ready to go on another call when they noticed Cova had not yet joined them. That’s when they went to his room and found him.
A cause of death has not been determined.
“Capt. Cova was a true hero, committed to serving our community and his family. His loss is felt deeply by all of us,” Interim Affton Fire Chief Aaron Rhodes said.
Cova leaves behind a wife and their two daughters. Brice said they were his biggest priority.
The Affton Fire Protection District is planning a memorial service to honor Cova and his family.
