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Police ID suspect in shooting death of firefighter

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Hundreds of firefighters gathered Thursday for the funeral of Capt. Leonard Riggins, a man remembered for his desire to help others.

The 52-year-old was fatally shot when he tried to help at what he thought was a crash scene Nov. 5. Rather than an accident victim, he came upon a carjacking suspect in a stolen vehicle, who killed Riggins and then stole the firefighter's car, police said. St. Louis County police then shot and killed the suspect after he pointed a weapon at them.

On Thursday, about 500 firefighters, family members and friends filled an auditorium at Harris-Stowe State University for the funeral of the 15-year veteran of the department.

Other firefighters from throughout the region volunteered to take over the duties of city firefighters, so they could attend Riggins' funeral.

Former St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George said Riggins was the embodiment of a Good Samaritan.

"He lost his life senselessly in an effort to assist his fellow man," George said. "To Leonard, every man was his neighbor. Every man was an extension of himself. And I am proud to have known Leonard."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)