By Adam Allington, KWMU
St. Louis – Ryan Hummert, 22, a Maplewood fireman and emergency medical technician, was shot and killed early Monday when he responded to a vehicle fire on Zephyr Place near Big Bend Rd.
Hummert was a 2004 graduate of Rockwood Summit High School and the son of former Maplewood mayor Andrew Hummert.
Maplewood Fire Chief Terry Merrell says the loss has devastated Ryan's family and the department.
"Words cannot begin to express the emotions and pain we're feeling right now. Our family and his family thank everyone for their support now and in the difficult days to come. We've lost Ryan in the line of duty and know he died doing what he loved."
Two police officers were also shot and wounded. One remains in critical condition, the other was treated and released.
Authorities spent the morning watching the house where the incident began.
Because of the gunman, firefighters let the vehicle fire burn itself out. Later, smoke began pouring from the second floor of the house, and it burned to the ground shortly before noon.
Police from the Maplewood Police Department, St. Louis County and the FBI are still searching for details in the wake the shootout.
Officers suspect that the man who perpetrated the attack, perished inside the burning home. But police cannot confirm that until crews search the rubble of the burned-out structure.
Maplewood Fire Chief Terry Merrell addressed the media with the news that Hummert was killed.
"Ryan was with our fire department for just 10 months, and knew being a firefighter was his calling. Ryan was one of our best and truly took his job to heart. He was proud to be a firefighter and paramedic."
Police still cannot confirm the identity of the shooter. Tactical teams dispatched to the scene did not enter the burning home.
Big Bend Boulevard remains closed between Manchester and Dale.