ST. LOUIS — If you asked Ben Polson what he did for a living, he likely would have said, “I’m just a firefighter. I’m a St. Louis city firefighter, just like my dad,’” St. Louis fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson told hundreds gathered Thursday at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
Jenkerson spoke to a sea of St. Louis Fire Department dress blues that filled the center pews, while family, friends and mourners packed the church to near its 1,500-seat capacity for Polson’s funeral.
Being “just a firefighter” meant Polson worked long shifts on holidays, weekends, birthdays and anniversaries, Jenkerson told the crowd. He responded to each call and put the health and safety of others above himself.
And on Jan. 13, being a firefighter meant Polson lost his life while searching for survivors in a derelict building at 5971 Cote Brilliante Avenue. He was on the second floor when the top story collapsed, burying him. Polson was the first St. Louis firefighter to die of injuries suffered while actively battling a fire since 2002.
“Ben was willing to take a chance, willing to take a risk, often only a brick, bent nail or burned stairwell separating him from eternity,” Jenkerson said. “Remember, Benjamin Polson was just a firefighter.”
In eulogies, St. Louis Fire Department leaders outlined Polson’s unconventional life path , earning an economics degree, an MBA and a law degree before he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, retired St. Louis fire Capt. James Polson, when he joined the fire academy in 2019.
Raised in south St. Louis, Polson attended St. Raphael the Archangel elementary school where his mother, Sue Polson, is a teacher. He graduated from St. John Vianney High School.
Before Jenkerson was Polson’s chief, he coached Polson’s childhood hockey team. Jenkerson is a longtime friend of Polson’s father, and he grew emotional as he remembered Polson making his pledge of service to the fire department.
The chief said Polson’s resume and personality showed he could have thrived in whichever career path he wanted, but he chose to help others.
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Deputy Chief Ken Smith, who oversaw Polson’s shift and also is a longtime family friend, said after Polson graduated from the academy, he asked specifically to work in one of the city’s busiest engine houses and was placed on truck 13c, based in Hamilton Heights.
Firefighter Benjamin Polson.
Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Fire Department.
Smith said firefighters respond on the worst day of many other people’s lives, but last week, the tragedy struck home.
Ben’s company “did nothing wrong,” he said. “In fact, I saw more true acts of bravery at that fire than any other fire I’ve been to in more than 43 years of service. In one of my most saddest moments, it was also one of my proudest moments watching firefighters under my command work to save another brother.”
Polson’s sister, Rebecca Slay, said her brother was her closest friend, the man of honor in her wedding and had lived with her as he went through the fire academy.
“When he finally moved out, I cried even though he was only moving five minutes away,” she said, adding: “I’m a better person because Ben was part of my life, and I’ll miss him forever.”
Polson’s remains were buried Thursday at Resurrection Cemetery at 6901 Mackenzie Road.
Katie Kull of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Photos: Last respects paid to St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson at funeral, visitation
The fire truck carrying the remains of St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson rides through a procession that honors fallen officer on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died while looking to see if any people were in a burning house on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. Photo by Joseph Cooke, jcooke@post-dispatch.com
Joseph Cooke
A man stands in bitter cold temperatures to attend a procession honoring the life of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died while looking to see if any people were in a burning house on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. Photo by Joseph Cooke, jcooke@post-dispatch.com
Joseph Cooke
“He gave his life to save lives so he deserves to be celebrated,” said Tom Dopuch, the son-in-law of a former St. Louis Fire Department captain. Fire trucks showed their respect for fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson during a procession on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died while looking to see if any people were trapped in a burning house on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. Photo by Joseph Cooke, jcooke@post-dispatch.com
Joseph Cooke
Msgr. Henry Breier presides over the funeral service for St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
The remains of firefighter Benjamin Polson are carried into the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A flag and Benjamin Polson’s helmet, jacket, boots and pants are carried into at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the start of Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A funeral program for firefighter Benjamin Polson is carried in the hat of another firefighter at Polson’s funeral in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Mourners fill the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for the funeral of St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters walk out of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and others start the procession at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis Fire Department Captain Larry Conley speaks at the funeral for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A photo of firefighter Benjamin Polson, his helmet, jacket and other items are displayed at the front of Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis during Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and others start the procession at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters walk out of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
The remains of firefighter Benjamin Polson are carried out of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
People line up for the processional at the end of the funeral service for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Msgr. Henry Breier performs the final commendation around the cremated remains of firefighter Benjamin Polson during Polson’s funeral service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A flag and Benjamin Polson’s helmet, jacket, boots and pants are carried out of Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and others start the procession at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A flag and Benjamin Polson’s helmet, jacket, boots and pants are carried out of Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at the end of Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters file out at the end of the funeral service for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A photo of firefighter Benjamin Polson, his helmet, jacket and other items are displayed at the front of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis during Polson’s funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Rebecca Slay offers memories of her brother firefighter Benjamin Polson during his funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis Fire Department Deputy Chief Ken Smith speaks at the funeral for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson delivers remarks about firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski listens to a speaker delivering remarks during the funeral for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters listen as firefighter Benjamin Polson is remembered during his funeral service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson delivers remarks about firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A St. Louis firefighter wipes his eyes as he listens during the funeral for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Rebecca Slay offers memories of her brother firefighter Benjamin Polson during his funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters listen as firefighter Benjamin Polson is remembered during his funeral service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Msgr. Henry Breier (center) presides over the the funeral service for St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters listen as firefighter Benjamin Polson is remembered during his funeral service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Annette Vogts offers memories of her nephew firefighter Benjamin Polson during his funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis firefighters listen as firefighter Benjamin Polson is remembered during his funeral service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Dan Barraco, a close friend of fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson, reminisces about Polson and their youth during Polson’s funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
A St. Louis firefighter wipes his eyes as he listens during the funeral for firefighter Benjamin Polson at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson delivers remarks about firefighter Benjamin Polson’s funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Pallbearers walk the urn carrying St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, down the stairs at the conclusion of his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Pallbearers walk the urn carrying St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, down the stairs at the conclusion of his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Family and friends stand with St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson watching the pallbearers walk the urn carrying deceased St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, to a firetruck at the conclusion of his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
First responders embrace at the conclusion of the funeral for St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, outside the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
First responders carrying the helmet of deceased St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, walk to a firetruck carrying his urn at the conclusion of his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Pallbearers unload the urn carrying deceased St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, for his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
The fire truck carrying the urn of deceased St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, drives underneath a canopy of truck ladders for his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A bagpipe player with the Fighters Pipes & Drums plays as a firetruck arrives carrying the urn of deceased St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, at for his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A St. Louis police officer displays his badge in honor of St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, at his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A giant American flag honors St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, for his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Fireman salute as the urn carrying deceased St. Louis fire fighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, arrives for his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A drummer with the Fighters Pipes & Drums keeps warm firetruck outside the funeral for St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, who died in the line of duty last week, of Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Members of the St. Louis Fire Department pass by the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty, during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Polson’s funeral is Thursday. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
James Polson, right, retired St. Louis Fire Captain and father of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson, lifts his arm to salute his son’s urn during the uniform salute for the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A St. John Vianney High School Griffins Hockey belonging to fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty is framed behind a folded flag as friends, family and fellow first responders pay their respects during a visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Members of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard pass by the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty during the uniform salute during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
An American flag held by two St. Louis Fire Department ladder trucks flies above Gravois Road as friends, family members and fellow first responders pay their respects during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home for fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Firefighters salute the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty for the uniform salute during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A Fire Department chaplain bows her head while passing the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty in a uniform salute during a visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Members of the St. Louis Fire Department pass by the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty in the uniform salute during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A member of the St. Louis Fire Emergency Medical Services stops at the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty for a uniform salute during a visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A member of the St. Louis Fire Department Honor Guard stands near the fire uniform and a portrait of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty as friends, family and fellow firefighters pay their respects during a visitation at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A member of the St. Louis Fire Department Honor Guard stands on watch near the urn of fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
St. Louis County police officers direct traffic as American flag held by two St. Louis Fire Department ladder trucks flies above Gravois Road while friends, family members and fellow first responders pay their respects during the visitation service at Kutis Funeral Home for fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson who died in the line of duty in Affton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A St. Louis Metro Air helicopter performs a flyover during the burial ceremony for fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A St. Louis firefighter gives a salute as the Mass Pipe Band plays Amazing Grace during the burial ceremony for fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Firefighters give a salute while in a sea of blue formation as taps is played by buglers during the burial ceremony for fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Two members of the St. Louis Fire Department Honor Guard prepare the ark containing the ashes of fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson to be carried by pall bearers after it arrives by firetruck at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
The ark containing the ashes of fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson arrives by firetruck at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
Firefighters gather to make a wall of blue near the honor guard at the burial ceremony for fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
The Hero’s Entourage of firefighters arrive for the burial ceremony for fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
The pipes and drums from the firefighters, St. Louis police and St. Louis County police get in formation as the ark containing the ashes of fallen firefighter Benjamin Polson arrives by firetruck at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
A ceremonial bell sits at the gravesite before the burial ceremony for fallen St. Louis firefighter Benjamin Polson at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Polson died in the line of duty on January 13, 2022, after a roof collapsed while he was searching for occupants in a house fire. Photo by Daniel Shular, dshular@post-dispatch.com
Daniel Shular
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