Lieutenant 905 Malachi Abraham Brown was born September 11, 1989, and from that day forward he had such passion for life. He was, a son, a brother, a great father, and a loving husband. Malachi never met a stranger and had a passion for helping those he could. Firefighting was his calling, and he answered that call with honor and dignity. Malachi joined the Baxter Springs Fire Department in 2010. He kept learning and training to be the best he could be and climbed the ranks to lieutenant. He took pride in his certifications and accomplishments and passed on what he had learned to his brothers and sisters in the line of service.
Although firefighting was his passion, Malachi was more than that. He was a man’s man. He was hardworking, genuine, kind, smart, witty, and sarcastic. Malachi could operate any heavy equipment machine without even blinking. You never knew what he had up his sleeve. Regardless of the circumstances, he could get the job done. Malachi had a true desire to help others, whether a friend in need or a fellow citizen of his town. He was the first to step up, usually without being asked; he had a true servant’s heart. Malachi enjoyed a challenge and pushed himself to the limits. He enjoyed spending time with family, going to the gym, boxing, and weight training and was dedicated to being his best self.
Malachi was active in his community and department. He was committed to the training and strengthening of his department and hometown. He attended fundraisers, trainings, and meetings to ensure that he and his department were the best they could be. He spent hours at the station, where he could be found training, working on equipment, or outside letting neighborhood children look over equipment and engines.
Malachi responded to his final call on October 15,2022, a structure fire in his hometown of Baxter Springs. During that call, Malachi sustained life-threatening injuries, severe third degree burns covering 27% of his body. Like the fighter he is, Malachi fought hard to overcome those injuries and complications for nearly a month. On the evening of November 10, 2022, Malachi passed peacefully with his wife by his side.
There are two things Malachi enjoyed above all else. He loved being a dad to his three children and a husband to his wife, Jessica. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Malachi’s children know their father is a hero, and his family is so proud of the man he was. While Malachi’s passing is a tragedy and we prayed for a different outcome, Malachi gave his life doing what he loved and what he was called to do.
We honor Lt. Malachi Brown for his service to our community, but we also honor him as he represents the heart & soul of small town America. He was dedicated to his community with a servants heart, but even more important, he was dedicated to his wife and three children by being the best husband & father he could be. Its men like Malachi that make small towns the heart & soul of America. They demonstrate love for God, family, community & country and as Malachi did, they are willing to give their life to keep us all safe. We honor Malachi for that love. RIP Malachi, you will not be forgotten.
– Vicki Bradley