Kansas Firewire

Kansas State Firefighters Association
FIREWIRE
Vol. 45 - No. 6 February/March, 2014
The Voice of the Kansas Fire Service

Circulated to over 4,700 Kansas firefighters bi-monthly
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KSFFA Legislative Reception Monday, February 10, 2014 from 5-7 pm Historic Topeka Fire House #2, 719 SW Van Buren (just north of the Capitol)
RSVP to ksffasecretary@sbcglobal.net. Food provided.
KSFFA Auxiliary Scholarships - deadline is March 1. The link is http://www.ksffa.com/KSFFA%20Auxiliary/ksffa_auxiliary_scholarship_appl.htm.
Fireghters were able to contain ames to just the house even though strong winds fanned the ames and blew embers into a neighboring yard. See story and additional photo inside. This photo was taken by Terry Spradley of the St. John News and appeared in the Nov. 27 issue.
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KANSAS FIREWIRE, FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2014
Fire news across Kansas

Aliceville - Firefighters extinguished a fire just east of Aliceville in early December. Firefighters responded from Westphalia, LeRoi, Burlington, Waverly, New Strawn and Gridley. Altamont - A family escaped a house fire in Altamont on Nov. 13. A log from the fireplace rolled out onto the carpeted floor in the living room according to Chief Keith Shaffer of the AltamontMt. Pleasant Fire Department. The Parsons and Oswego Fire Departments provided mutual aid. Andover - A fire at the Dollar General in Andover caused more than half a million dollars in damages in mid-November. A Douglass teenager is being held on eight counts of aggravated arson in connection with the blaze. Fire Chief Jim Shaver said that the damage of half a million dollars included about $360,000 damaged or destroyed merchandise. Baxter Springs - The Baxter Springs Fire Department and Auxiliary hosted a chili feed at the new community building on Nov. 16, with proceeds going to the department. Bern - C.J. Foods, Inc. recently presented the Bern Fire Department a $1,000 in early December for the fire departments continued efforts. Blue Rapids - A Blue Rapids man was charged with arson in connection with a fire that occurred on Oct. 27, at a garage in Blue Rapids. Blue Rapids Fire Chief Jason Hemry said that there were individuals at home at the time. Bronson - A home in Bronson caught fire and was destroyed in early December. Burden - A house fire in early November claimed the life of a 78-year-old Burden man. Captain Dan McClaskey said that the man was found in a bedroom. Burlington - A house fire destroyed a home west of Burlington in mid November. Gridley firefighters were the first on scene according to Fire Chief Randall Brown. Also responding were firefighters from Burlington and New Strawn. Caldwell - The Last Chance Bar and Grill was damaged by fire in mid November. The Caldwell Fire Department was joined on mutual aid by firefighters from Wellington. Caldwell - Firefighter Lloyd Henry received a 10-year service award in December of 2013 for service with the Caldwell Fire Department. Chapman - Michael Simmons is the new fire chief at Chapman. Chief Simmons is also a firefighter for the Manhattan Fire Department and was a firefighter in Hays for six years as well. Clay Center - A trailer house caught fire in early November and was a total loss; however, firefighters were able to save much of the contents, according to Clay Center Fire Chief John Ihnen. Clay Center City and Clay Center firefighters responded to the fire. Colony - The Colony Diner and Colony Foods were destroyed by fire in early December. Columbus - The 2013 Fire-
Please send all corrections to: Kansas State Fireghters Association Steve Hirsch, Secretary P.O. Box 296 Oberlin, KS 67749 Ph. 785-475-2296
FOR YOUR NEWSPAPER LaBEL
fighter of the Year Award has been presented to Jaden Tedlock. Two other firefighters, Caleb Bond and Scott Ashe were also recipients of awards presented by Fire Chief Jason Allison. Cunningham - A truck hauling 42,000 pounds of frozen meat caught fire on Nov. 15, near Cunningham. The Cunningham Fire Department responded to the blaze and was joined by firefighters from Reno County Fire District No. 7 and Kingman Fire Department, according to Cunningham Fire Chief Harold Stark. The value of the loss was estimated at between $350,000 and $400,000. Derby - Derby firefighter Skyeler Reynolds is engaged to be married in March to Brook Eberle. Congratulations to the couple. Derby - Derby Fire Chief Brad Smith has been elected as President of the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs at their annual KSAFC conference in October of 2013. Chief Smith worked 25 years for the Winfield Fire Department and was chief of the El Dorado Fire Department for 3-1/2 years before he was named as Derbys first fulltime chief in 2004. Dodge City - A fire shut down operations at Cargills beef packing plant in Dodge City in late December. There were no injuries but a 1,000 employees were evacuated. El Dorado - The Cancun Mexican Grill was damaged by fire in early December. El Dorado Fire Department was joined on mutual aid by firefighters from Towanda. Enterprise - TransCanada Corporation has given a grant of $2,500 to Dickinson County Fire District #1 to help purchase an 800 MHz radio according to
Chief Paul Froelich. Esbon - An open house of the new Esbon Fire Station was held in late October. Fire Chief Randy Fogo said that a grand opening is tentatively planned for Memorial Day weekend in 2014. Eureka - A Christmas Eve fire damaged a house about 7 miles south of Eureka. Fire Chief Doug Williams said that firefighters found smoke coming from the residence and heavy smoke from the upper floors. Galena - The Galena Fire Department responded to a structure fire in early December at 503 East 5th Street. Galena Fire Chief Bill Hall attributed the fire to possible faulty electrical wiring behind the dryer. The home was a total loss. Mutual aid was received from the Baxter Springs Fire Department and from Reddings Mill Fire Department in Missouri. Gareld - The Garfield Fire Department served a Hunters Lunch on a Saturday in November at the Garfield Community Center. Garnett - A vacant house was destroyed by fire in late November in Garnett on West 9th Street. Garnett Fire Chief Pat Tate said that the home was fully engulfed when the firefighters arrived and wintry conditions including snow and 20 MPH north winds blew flames 20 to 30 feet out of the house. Garnett - A house fire in early December destroyed a rural home. The fire occurred just before Garnett hosted the Regional Fire Training School, according to J.D. Mersman, Anderson County Emergency Management Director. Geneseo - A fire in Geneseo in late November destroyed a barn and damaged two adjacent
houses. The firefighters from Geneseo, Ellsworth, Lyons, Little River and Bushton responded to the fire, according to Geneseo Fire Chief Mike Huggans. Geneseo - Two garages and a home were damaged by fire in mid November. A person was working in a garage when a spark ignited the fire. Fire Departments from Geneseo, Little River, Lyons, Bushton and Ellsworth County responded to the incident. After the fire it was determined that a torch was being used to cut up a stolen ATV trailer to sell as scrap. This led to his arrest for possession of stolen property. Great Bend - A fire in mid November did extensive damage to a house at 1418 20th Street according to Chief Mike Napolitano. Damage was estimated at more than $40,000. Halstead - A house fire in mid-November destroyed a home in rural Halstead. Halstead Fire Chief Jim VanSchaick said the structure was a total loss and that by the time firefighters arrived on scene, the roof was fully engulfed in the fire, with the fire being driven by strong winds. Fire crews from Halstead, Burrton, Hesston and Sedgwick responded to the fire. Harper - A stove fire caused extensive damage to a Harper home in late November. The home had an estimated $50,000 damage according to Fire Chief Ken Leu. Herington - A fire in late December in a Main Street apartment building resulted in the death of a 75-year-old Herington man. Fire Chief Ken Staatz said that smoke was spotted by a police officer on patrol. Hillsboro - A fire destroyed a See Fire news, page 3
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Kansas State Firefighters Association
FIREWIRE
The Voice of the Kansas Fire Service
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house in mid-November at 207 North Washington. Hillsboro Fire Chief Ben Steketee said that the home was unoccupied but fully involved in the fire when the firefighters arrived. Holton - A fire in early December left the home of a Holton couple pretty well gutted according to Holton Fire Chief Kevin Ingels. The damage was estimated at about $90,000. Hutchinson - Fire destroyed Marys Jack of Clubs in late December. The owners indicate they will reopen. Hutchinson - Damages estimated at $12,000 in a fire that destroyed a shed, RV, two campers and a Chevy Suburban behind a house at 2703 St. Elmo Drive, west of Hutchinson. Hutchinson Deputy Fire Chief Doug Hanen reported that the shed and RV were well involved in the flames when firefighters arrived. Six units from the Hutchinson Fire Department and a water tender from Reno County Fire District No. 3 responded to the fire. Hutchinson Retired Hutchinson Drill Captain Richard D. Trotter celebrated his 80th birthday on Dec. 4. He retired after 35 years of service in 1992. Congratulations! Iola - A fire damaged the Williams Monuments building in late November. Lt. Jeremy Ellington said that firefighters quickly arrived on scene and got the fire knocked down in short order. Junction City - Firefighter Jamie Farr is engaged to be married to Jennifer Nuss. The wedding is planned for March 29. Congratulations to the couple. Junction City - Greek Heroes, a restaurant in Junction City, suffered significant structural damage during a fire in early December. Fire Chief Kevin Royse said that the estimated loss is $150,000. Kannapolis Lake - A January fire destroyed a residence that was the original Dam Sandwich Shop near Kannapolis Lake. The shop opened about 60 years ago. The McPherson County Rural Fire District #2 from Marquette responded to the fire.

Kansas City - Twenty-six firefighters graduated at a ceremony held Nov. 21, at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, KS, and were given the oath of office. Fire Chief John Paul Jones said, you will face danger but also be empowered by overcoming fear. Officials with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department pointed out the class contained a fourth generation firefighter, Chris Wing, as well as another fourth generation firefighter, a third generation firefighter and a second-generation firefighters. Josh Bubeck graduated #1 in his class with an almost perfect score in the Academy and addressed the class. Chris Wings father is Bob Wing, president of the Kansas State Council of Firefighters. Kansas City - A man suffered second and third degree burns in an apartment fire on Nov. 11. Damage was estimated at $180,000. LaCrosse - Rush County Fire District # 4 has received a new 6x6 truck from the Kansas Forest Service to be used as a tanker/ brush truck in the county. LaCygne - An abandoned home east of LaCygne was destroyed by fire in early December. Lawrence - A morning fire in early December caused an estimated $135,000 in damage to a west Lawrence home. Fire crews had the fire under control in about 25 minutes according to Chief Mark Bradford. Leavenworth - The former Nights Inn building is being used as a training location by the Leavenworth Fire Department. This is an opportunity we dont get very often, Leavenworth Assistant Fire Chief Mike Lingenfelser said. The old hotel has rooms that can be set up with furniture, to allow firefighters to train in the facility. Little River - Steve Kruse has been appointed as President and General Manager of Mutual Telephone Company. He grew up at Glen Elder and serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Little River Fire Department. Long Island - First National
Bank and Trust presented a check for $664 to the Long Island Fire Department as part of their donation campaign in 2013. Lyons - A fire in early December at the Cal-Maine Egg Facility occurred in the facilitys manure barn. Rice County Fire Department Chief Ed Fiel said that the cause of the fire was still largely undetermined. Fire Stations 6, 1 and 2 responded to the scene. Manhattan - A house fire in late December caused about $80,000 damage to a home and contents on Colorado Street. Five tenants were living in the home, which had been converted to apartments. Manhattan - Firefighter Tim Davenport and his wife, Mary, celebrated 30 years of marriage on Nov. 26. Congratulations! Meriden - A fire in early November destroyed Quality Custom Cabinets in Meriden. Rock Creek Fire Chief Bob Fritch said that there was a lot of wood in the building, which made the fire very hot. Other departments assisting on mutual aid included Kaw Township, Oskaloosa, Ozawkie, Jefferson #11 at Valley Falls, Nortonville, Effingham and Soldier. Moundridge The Moundridge Fire Department held its 34th annual Christmas Open House Saturday, Nov. 23, with all proceeds going to assist the Department. Navarre - A house fire in late December displaced a family of six in Navarre. Dickinson County Fire District #1 Chief Paul Froelich said the home suffered substantial damage and was not inhabitable. The fire was at the home of Shadd and Janice Snyder. Mr. Snyder is employed by the Junction City Fire Department.
continued from 2 New Strawn - A trailer fire in cember on 7th Street. The fire early December destroyed the was found at the rear of a singletrailer on 16th Road after he had family home. A man was found been burning leaves and brush. inside and removed and transNew Strawn and Burlington fire- ported by EMS. The home susfighters responded to the fire. tained significant damage to the Newton - Vince Garcia has back family room and roofline retired after 31 years with the according to Pittsburg Fire Chief Newton Fire/EMS Department Mike Simons. in mid- December. Vince is our Pittsburg - A fire in southwest most senior member and his leg- Pittsburg destroyed a house in acy of service will carry on but mid-December. Battalion Chief he will be greatly missed, said Jim Radell said that flames were Mark Willis, Chief of the New- showing through the roof when ton Fire/EMS Department. the fire was reported and downed Nickerson - A fire in Nick- power lines and icy branches erson left a family looking for from a winter storm also hama new place to live in early De- pered firefighters response. cember. It is believed the fire was Pratt - A house fire in midelectrical in nature with the blaze December resulted in the death starting in the attic. of infant twins. The mother was Oswego - A fire in late Decem- found outside the home covered ber destroyed a home in Oswego. in smoke and soot and was sent Oswego Fire Chief Donnie Al- first to Pratt Regional Medical lison said that there were four Center and then transferred to people at home when the fire Via Christi St. Francis Burn Unit broke out but that they were able in Wichita for fire related injuto escape without injury. ries. Pratt firefighters were joined Ottawa - A home was dam- in mutual aid by Township 12 aged by fire in early December Fire Rescue Department. at Ottawa. The fire is believed to Sabetha - An implement shed have been ignited by a portable was damaged by fire in early Deheater used in the crawl space cember on 200th Road. Sabetha underneath the home to thaw out Fire Chief Jim Johnson said that some frozen water lines. the fire department responded Overland Park - An Over- to the scene with 13 firefighters land Park apartment complex and five trucks. Mutual aid was was damaged by fire in early De- requested from the Bern Fire December. One person was trans- partment. ported for significant burn injuSabetha - A home was a total ries according to Jason Rhodes, loss after a fire in mid November, Overland Park Fire Department according to Chief Jim Johnson. spokesman. Sabetha firefighters were joined Parsons - The Parsons Fire on mutual aid by firefighters Department has been investigat- from Goff and Wetmore. ing options for new fire trucks. Salina - An unoccupied home An aerial and a pumper are to was damaged by fire in late Nobe bought with proceeds from a vember. The fire appears to have 1/2-cent sales tax that went into started under two solar panels. FRA benets is what I do. effect in January. Solomon - A house fire in ght man a fully involved re with a Pittsburg -You A wouldnt Pittsburg early house January claimed the life of garden whenDea high-pressure re hydrant is died in a house fire hose in early See Firereadily news, page 5
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TOLL FREE HAZMAT HOTLINE

This number rings at the State Fire Marshals Ofce in Topeka and is handled as a hazmat hotline. You will be transferred to either the KSFM Hazmat Division Director, the Hazmat Training Coordinator or the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal. If those personnel are not in the ofce, you will be asked to leave your name and phone number and the Hazmat Division personnel will be contacted to call you back ASAP. If this line is not answered after four rings, the call is automatically forwarded to the group pager number below
1-866-KHAZMAT 1-866-542-9628
KSFM HAZMAT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PAGER

1-785-357-3261
This number is a group pager which simultaneously contacts the KSFM Hazmat Division Director, the Hazmat Training Coordinator, and the Deputy State Fire Marshal. You will need to enter your phone number and the above personnel will return your call immediately.
This website allows you to send a text message to the group pager. You will need to type in the group pager number above, type in your text message (including a return phone number) and your name, and then a click on the Send Message button and your text message will be forwarded to the group pager within a couple minutes.
Note: These numbers are for emergency and should be limited to requesting activation of a regional response team or consultation on the necessary activation.
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KSFFA OFFICER DIRECTORY

President J. L. ELLIS 414 Smith Drive Colby, KS 67701 Bus. Ph. 785-460-4454 Fax Ph. 785-460-4444 jlellis@st-tel.net
REPORTS FROM KSFFA OFFICERS

J.L. Ellis, President
I want to remind everyone we will again host our Legislative Reception on Feb. 10, at Topekas historic re station number 2 at 719 SW Van Buren Street beginning at 5 to 7 p.m. This is one block north of the State Capitol.
2013-2014
1st Vice-President KEVIN FLORY 4935 NW Brickyard Rd., Topeka, KS 66618 Cell Ph. 785-230-2307 ksffatrustee@aol.com 2nd Vice-President SHANE PEARSON 6714 S. Tamara Lane Assaria, KS 67416 Res. Ph. 785-667-4005 Cell Ph. 785-447-1124 ksffa2ndvp@gmail.com Treasurer DAN ROMINE 24978 S. Auburn Rd. Osage City, KS 66532 1-888-27-KSFFA ksffa@embarqmail.com Secretary STEVE HIRSCH P.O. Box 296 Oberlin, KS 67749 Res. Ph. 785-475-2358 Bus. Ph. 785-475-2296 Fax Ph. 785-475-2060 ksffasecretary@sbcglobal.net Northeast Trustee DOUG SCHMITT 215 N. Erpelding Leonardville, KS 66449 Cell Ph. 785-331-7496 doug@jf-ks.com Southeast Trustee RON EWING 119 S. Union Emporia, KS 66801 Cell Ph. 620-366-5399 Home Ph. 620-412-2709 setrustee@live.com Northwest Trustee JUSTIN COUSE P.O. box 215 Lucas, KS 67648 Home Ph. 785-526-7810 Cell Ph. 785-735-8021 justincouse1973@hotmail.com Southwest Trustee TROY WOLF P.O. Box 558 Johnson, KS 67855 Res. Ph. 620-492-2630 Cell Ph. 620-492-1861 wolffire66@hotmail.com Historian SONNY RUFF P.O. Box 191 Logan, KS 67646 Ph. 785-689-7546 sonnyl@ruraltel.net
By JL Ellis, President KSFFA What a busy start to the New Year! My wife and I are proud to announce the birth of our second grandchild on Jan. 1. If you have kept up with our board members through social media, you are probably aware that several of us are now grandparents and Ron was a new father in the last year. It really does help to put things into perspective. Upon meeting my new granddaughter, Vivian, and holding her for the first time, her very first gift was to quietly and politely poop on grandpa. I figure if this is the absolute worst that happens to me this year, its going to be a GREAT year. Another legislative season is gearing up and your KSFFA Executive Board along with our lobbyist John Federico are hard at work identifying issues that will affect the Kansas Fire Service. One issue in particular that we have been working on for quite some time is the 5 mil cap for certain fire districts. Through our lobbyist, we are working with
Attorney General Derek Schmidt to reach a workable non-legislative solution. We believe we are very close to reaching this goal and I will report our final solution when I can. I want to remind everyone we will again host our Legislative Reception on Feb. 10, at Topekas historic fire station number 2 at 719 SW Van Buren Street beginning at 5 to 7 p.m. This is one block north of the State Capitol. I highly encourage everyone who can attend to please be there by 4:30 p.m., so that we can be ready to welcome our legislators. Last year was very well attended by over 75 legislators and 60 fire service personnel from across the state. We really need to have a firefighter from every legislative district present because that is who the legislators want to see, someone from their home area. As we identify the issues affecting our fire service, we need to have those relationships in place. Please attend this important event if at all possible. If I failed to mention, we will
also have FREE FOOD! Please do RSVP to ksffasecretary@sbcglobal.net so that we will be able to have plenty to go around. Also, if you have not signed up for our Legislative CapWiz tool to track legislation affecting the Kansas fire Service, I highly recommend you do so. We have had several recent issues that need our attention at the national level. One issue is the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3747/S. 501) would eliminate federal taxation of property tax benefits and up to $600 per year of other types of benefits that volunteer emergency responders receive as a reward for their service. Probably of more importance is legislation clarifying that qualified emergency services volunteers will not be counted as employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or Obamacare). If enacted, this would mean that fire and EMS agencies would not be required to offer volunteer personnel health insurance, even if they receive other nominal benefits. On our website, click the link KS Legislative CapWiz. This is a free service to you and only generates email when we need you to take action or notice of legislation affecting us all. Important events remind me of our upcoming KSFFA 126th Annual Conference in Salina, KS, on April 24, 25 and 26. Please make plans now to attend. The Salina Fire Department is finalizing plans and information See Ellis, page 4
Where Theres Smoke...

By Steve Hirsch, KSFFA Secretary We could probably label this column a history article of sorts. I am writing this after having just gotten back from the regional fire school at Marion the first part of January. Although there was quite a bit of snow in Marion, driving home was no problem - and that was nice to say the least. It is always fun to get out to a part of the state that we havent had classes in for a while. As Secretary for nearly 14 years now, I know a lot of names and quite a few people, but it is always good to put a face with the name. When we are down in Marion County folks in the fire service need to remember that Marion County is really one of the core groups of this association. Not only do we see a lot of Marion County firefighters at our regional fire schools and at our annual conference, we need to remember too that towns like Peabody and Florence have a long, long history with this association. Those two towns were some of the earliest members of the association, dating back to the late 1800s. Charles Marsh of Peabody was an officer in this association from sometime in the 1890s and served in one office or another at least up until 1931! What a history our association has with Marion County - and were making history again this
Steve Hirsch, Secretary
Do you take the time to take your kids to the re station? Do you spend time with the other reghters kids - encouraging them and educating them so that someday they may want to be one of us?
year with a fire school there. While were talking about history, I want to not forget to mention that Bob Wing, the President of the Kansas State Council of Firefighters celebrated a milestone of sorts recently. His son, Chris, became a firefighter with the Kansas City Fire Department - the fourth generation of Wings to be with the KCK Fire Department! Wow. As I understand it there has been a Wing on the department since 1941 - thats impressive. How about in your department? Do you take the time to take your kids to the fire station? Do you spend time with the other firefighters kids - encouraging them and educating them so that someday they may want to be one of us? I always took my kids with me to fire events, in fact my son, Joe, just went with me to a soup supper at the Selden and Rexford departments in late December. Those guys and gals
have seen Joe grow up in the fire service. Will he become a firefighter some day - I dont know. What I do know, though, is that my kids spent quality time with other firefighters from around the state. They learned our traditions, they have shared in our tears of both happiness and great sadness, and theyve climbed on and ridden in lots of fire trucks. How did I get in the fire service? I have an early memory of probably when I was less than 5 years old of being in the fire station playing on fire trucks while my dad served up soup to raise money for his department. I also remember going with him to clean up after tornadoes had struck a neighboring community - and looking at fire supply catalogs - and, man, lots and lots of Smokey Bear stuff. Society has changed a lot in my 50 plus years. People are different. Values have shifted. PriorSee Hirsch, page 6
Ellis
continued from 4 be honored at the Memorial Service, please use the Memorial Service Submittal Form on our webpage. Also I will remind you that the KSFFA Honorary Member form is also on the webpage for those so deserving. Conference credentials packets are also being mailed from the KSFFA and will have all the information you will need to register. Every member department is allowed to have four voting delegates attend. Alternate delegates and spouses are always welcome and I know there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. Our KSFFA Auxiliary will present the annual scholarship winners and also raise funds for the scholarship during the Presidents auction at the banquet on Friday evening. If you know of someone eligible for a KSFFA Auxiliary scholarship, please send them to our website under the Info tab and download the application form. It is a simple form and process to benefit our family members and also firefighters who are furthering their education. Again, please check our website for information on the 126th Annual Conference and all that will be offered. I close as I always do with the simple promise to keep each and every one of you as informed as I possibly can and to provide the continued from 3 fire was in a doublewide trailer home on Goebel on Wichitas east side. Wichita - A 95 year old man died from injuries sustained in a house fire in mid November. Evidence indicated that the man tried to put out the fire but became overcome by smoke in the process of escaping. Wichita - A woman was reported in critical condition at a local hospital after she was injured in a house fire in west Wichita in late December. Fire Marshal Brad Crisp said that damage was set at $15,000 to the home and $5,000 to contents. Winchester - A fire in a vacant house at 105 Grasshopper was extinguished by Winchester firefighters in mid November. Wineld - Nine months after a fire burned down an island park playground, the case remains under investigation by the Winfield Police Department. The fire burned the playground to the ground on the night of March 14. Winfield Fire Marshal Dennis Darby confirmed that the fire was set on purpose. Woodson County - The Woodson County Commission has approved the purchase of a new fire truck for Woodson County Fire Department according to Chief Nick Barney. very best service you deserve. Your Executive Board is at your service and we do want to hear from you. Our contact information is posted on the website www.ksffa.com, we always welcome any suggestion and stand ready to answer any question or concern you may have. I look forward to seeing you at a regional fire school or one of the events mentioned in this article.
should be on our website www. ksffa.com detailing the events and schedule for the conference. Please look over the agenda as there are quite a few changes from the ordinary. The KSFFA Auxiliary will conduct the Memorial Service on Friday morning this year to allow those attending time to get last minute names included. If you know of anyone that has passed away in the past year and should

a Solomon resident. Firefighters were called to the fire around 4 a.m., according to Chief Randy Paden. South Hutchinson - A fire in early January destroyed a home in South Hutchinson according to Chief Mike Patterson. The damage was estimated at $65,000. St. John - A wood burning stove is believed to have been the cause of a fire that extensively damaged a home in early December. Topeka - A small fire in early December at an apartment complex on the citys south side was quickly handled by the Topeka fire crews. Topeka Fire Investigator Rusty Vollintine said the fire more likely than not was accidental and related to the mechanical or electrical malfunction of a furnace inside the units. Topeka - A fire in early December in east Topeka when a kerosene heater mishap occurred. The lone occupant of the home was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Topeka - Firefighters from Station No. 6 in the Oakland area of Topeka built two new benches for the LULAC Senior Center in Oakland. Three firefighters, Paul Waggoner, Larry Peters and Brian Hillebert were responsible for the act of kindness. Topeka - Topekas Labrador retriever died of cancer at the age of 10 in mid-December. The dog had served the department since 2005 as the partner of Investigator Rusty Vollintine. Boomer responded to more than 900 incidents and logged more than 80,000 hours. He visited around 300 fire scenes and played a key role in the investigations of about 60 injury fires and more than 20 fatality fires. Towanda - A fire in mid December damaged a home in Towanda. Firefighters from Towanda, Benton and El Dorado responded to the fire. Towanda - The Towanda Fire Department has gained a Class 6 ISO rating in the City of Towanda, according to Fire Chief Tom Pyle. Troy - A fire in mid-December destroyed a home on 205th Road northwest of Troy. FirefighterEMT Instructor Matthew McKittrick said the house was fully engulfed in the flames when he arrived. Fire Chief Allen Winkel said, The occupant was asleep on the living room couch. At the time, he told us he had an electric space heater nearby and indicated that the wall socket popped or blew up and the fire went up the wall. Wamego - Wamego Firefighter Martin Johnson was wed to Chrishelle Stanhope in September. Congratulations to the couple! Wamego - The Wamego Fire Department Auxiliary hosted their annual chili feed on Dec. 7. Welda - A donation of $2,500 from Co-Bank has started a fund for newer, larger quarters for the fire department at Welda. White City - Mike Markley has been named as 2013 Firefighter of the Year by the White
City Fire Department. Wichita - Spontaneous combustion is believed to be the cause of a fire in late November at a south Wichita laundry and dry cleaning business. Acting Battalion Chief David Voss said that damage estimates were $10,000 on the building and $20,000 to contents. Wichita - A chimney fire damaged a house on South Kansas in late November according to Fire Marshal Brad Crisp. The fire caused an estimated $12,000 to the house and contents. Wichita - An east side house fire took the lives of four individuals including two children. The
Kansas State Firefighters Association, Inc.

2014 Regional Fire Schools & Events
February 1-2, 2014.................................................................. Claflin March 19-23, 2014............................................... SCAFFA - Topeka April 5-6, 2014............................. Agra Regional Fire School - Agra April 24-26, 2014............................................... Conference - Salina May 3-4, 2014.......................................................................Ashland May 29-31, 2014................. Labette Regional Fire School - Parsons July 12-13, 2014.................................................................Plainville August 9-10, 2014......... Harvey County Regional Fire School - Newton September 6-7, 2014... Riley County Regional Fire School - Manhattan October 4-5, 2014........................................ Russell County, Russell November 1-2, 2014........................ Lakin Regional School - Lakin December 6-7, 2014.......................................................... Concordia
KANSAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL TRUmPET MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Go To www.ksfm.ks.gov/
See the
2014 FRA Mini-Clinics

March 19-23, 2014............................................... SCAFFA - Topeka April 5, 2014................................ Agra Regional Fire School - Agra May 29-31, 2014................. Labette Regional Fire School - Parsons August 9, 2014.............. Harvey County Regional Fire School - Newton September 6, 2014...... Riley County Regional Fire School - Manhattan November 1, 2014............................ Lakin Regional School - Lakin
Mental poison
ing to just simply gather a paySubmitted by Ross Hauck, check but at the same time hold Fire Management a deep never ending grudge for Coordinator, the guys that are trying to move Kansas Forest Service Written by Ryan Royal. (This forward and make this job betarticle was taken from the Face- ter, then go ahead, hold on to that book pages of Ironandladders. mediocre mentality, sit back for com. While it was written with the ride and finish your career in the career reghter in mind, I that state, but by all means KEEP felt it has a strong message about IT TO YOURSELF! I am truly sick of new, young, our volunteer ranks). Read it closely and see if you see your- great minds on this job coming to me discouraged beself, the department cause these people or its leaders. have decided to deThis one has been motivate them and brewing for years, talk trash about my and I think it is time crew, everything to get it out in the and myself we beopen for everyone lieve in. You know to share. I really who you are, and I struggle with this hope you sit back topic and it creates for a second and a lot of frustration realize that you are for me to try and mentally poisoning comprehend that the youth and future this is something of our job. It is easiwe are even talker for you to verbaling about. Lets just ly bring us down to start it out bluntly. Ross Hauck new guys (because If youre already set in your ways, and have long ago they wont talk back) than it is to decided that not only are you go- step up and bring your own crew to the front and raise the bar. This is criminal, do you know how big of an impact you have on these guys that are just trying to do the right thing and work hard. They are at a point in their career where they are just looking for guidance on how to do their job right, and trying to figure out what that really means. The good ones are attracted to places where they have mentors that will actually teach them, but then you try and spin us off as those guys, and proceed to describe to them every single way that I will ruin their career if they come around me. That is garbage. We have a great bunch of people that have come on our job in the last few years, some of the best new guys that I have ever had come through our firehouse and other great ones I didnt get to work with. Hungry, motivated, self- driven, and ready to get better everyday. They are blowing the old expectations of what it meant to be a good new guy out of the water. When they finish their probation and move on to their own firehouse I watch with
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great satisfaction as these new guys start making an impact on their own with their highly motivated mentality of holding themselves to a standard of pursuing mastery of their craft. At the end of the day, my only goal for them as they rotate through our firehouse, is to mentor and teach them the way I would want to be taught. If we hold up on our end of the deal of what it means to be mentors, then we will reap the rewards across the entire job as that mentality slowly moves around the city. However, as I have learned first-hand, be prepared to put yourself out there and take a beating from a group of people that will fight this type of energy everyday of your career. Here are some examples of the mental poison that is being put into these young motivated minds by others who are threatened by what we are teaching. They tell these guys to be very careful at my firehouse and never let yourself become one of those guys. They will say that its an easy thing to get sucked into
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down there and you will see in the long run it is a waste of your time and energy. They will make accusations that we only care about fires but never focus on any other aspect of our job. They will try to convince them that it is all shallow egos, cockiness, and bravado. They will even go as far as to tell these guys that they are training too much and that they will never make it through a career if they dont take it easy. The list goes on of a hundred different examples that are being used in an attempt to scare them (the new guys) away from ever being a part of that. Let me tell you what being a part of that is. Expectations are high, you come to work every day knowing full well it could be the day where we need you at your best. You check your truck out in the morning like its actually your job. That doesnt mean a walk around the truck, which means halyards are dressed and tied around only one rung. It means batteries are fresh on tools and blades have been replaced. It means running your hands down the chains on the saw to make sure they are sharp enough to grab your skin so you know they are fresh. It means the power heads/saws are getting run every day. If lines are sloppy they are pulled and reloaded, yes, even in the winter or on a Sunday (what a concept). That is how important our apparatus is to us. It means training comes first. If your priorities arent regularly based around quality company training, I can assure you nothing else will replace it. No amount of drawing on a whiteboard, or talking about hose lays at the tailboard will replace actually doing it. Your email management is not what makes you a good officer! We need leaders who are willing to get dirty and be the first one to step up at the next drill. If you are leading an engine company with one of these new guys on it right now and it has been more than a few shifts since you pulled a line, shame on you. You are verbally telling them how wrong we are, but your inaction at your own firehouse is sending a far stronger message to them. I have noticed a common denominator to the trash talking over the years. The more frequently you talk down about us, directly correlates with how infrequently you teach your new guy hose management. Early on in my career, I was See Mental poison, page 7
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continued from 4 ities are skewed. BUT one thing (other than Anita) has remained a constant in my life all of those years. The men and women of the fire service have always been and still remain the most committed bunch of the most compassionate people that this world has ever known. Alright - probably also the most committed bunch of jokers too, cause we sure like to tease and play and have fun. This is my fire service - this is your fire service - God bless you all, because where theres smoke...
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Iola reghters put out the ames Monday night as storage units owned by American Self Storage burst into ames. The units are at the corner of East Monroe and Kansas Drive in Iola. The units were built in 2007. They are owned by Dana Watson and Benny Buerskens. By this morning, total damage was not known. Cause of the re is unknown and under investigation. (Iola Register, Iola, Dec. 3, 2013; photos by freelance photographer Mark Dunlap.)
National Burn Awareness Week - February 2-8

By Corey A. Sands, City of Shawnee Fire Department Vice-President of FEAK The 2014 National Burn Awareness Week is Feb. 2 8 this year. An estimated 43 percent of all burn injuries occur at home. Fire and burn deaths per year is approximately 4,000 and over 500,000 people receive burn injuries that require medical care. Prevention is the best way to help lower this alarming number. Teaming up with your local burn center is a good way to get your message across to a broader audience. Below are a few tips that you might think about sharing with your community. Create a kids-free zone in the kitchen Keep the pot handles in so little children cannot grab them Set your water heater to no more than 120 degrees to help reduce scalds Always blow out candles before leaving a room Cover electrical outlets Give space heaters room.
Keep all combustible items at least 36 inches away.
Mental poison
surprised how you almost had to feel bad for feeling this way about the job, I had plenty of times where that atmosphere made it feel like you were in the wrong and almost as if you should apologize for being at a certain firehouse. I got the same talks from guys telling me not to be a part of that, to choose my battles (and that this was not one to be involved in), I was that new guy receiving the same demotivating talks that the current ones are still hearing. Company pride does not have to equal unchecked egos and cockiness. Can they go together sometimes? Sure they can. But 99 percent of this negative light that is brought on about my firehouse is created outside of it. I am not sure if it is insecurities about their own companys performance, or if they feel bad about the time spent in the lounge
continued from page 6 hard way, because it is the right way. For those of you who truly believe in this mental poison you are spreading among our youth, keep it to yourselves. If you feel you have to talk to someone about it, I honestly welcome a phone call from you any day I am on shift. I will always have a discussion about this topic, but I will always ask you one question. Can you tell your Chief word for word these beliefs that you are so quick to tell to the new guys? Because I can tell him mine, and I stand behind every word. For the young guys that are working hard and trying to be masters of their craft.Keep on going, you are doing the right thing and we will always stand behind you. The right way is rarely the easiest way, and at the end of the day it is pretty clear whos who. From the corner office, be safe.
chairs while we are out training. But something makes them feel as if they need to discredit everything about us. When you have a group of guys that want to build a crew and their common goal is to be the best they can possibly be, company pride and espirit de corp will always be present. When another fire company does not have this common goal, does not believe in company pride, and sees training as more of a bother, then clearly it dont take a genius to see why they are offended by a highly motivated crew with strong company pride. We understand that this high energy mentality that is starting to gain traction with our youth is intimidating. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication to training your new guy, and an all-around commitment to raise the bar on your own performance. I am not sorry that we are choosing the
If you feel like you have no where to turn with your public education questions, then make the FIRE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Of KANSAS part of your local prevention plan. FEAKs purpose is:
To assist Kansas communities in promoting fire and life safety education To provide opportunities for training, education and interventions to those people dedicated to fire and life safety education and awareness To provide a fire and life safety network for the exchange of ideas and resources Visit www://feak.org
to learn more or to download a membership application
Focus on your heart health this February and all year

By the National Volunteer Fire Council First responders are used to being there when others need them. Through fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other incidents, firefighters and EMTs are the ones community members count on to protect them in any kind of emergency. Yet these same first responders often neglect to take care of their own health and safety. Year after year, heart attack is the leading cause of lineof-duty death, and countless first responders struggle with medical issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. Fire and emergency medical services personnel are not alone in their risk of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 600,000 people die of heart disease every year, making heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women. What makes the fire service unique is the intense pressures and high intensity nature of the job. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that emergency firefighting duties were associated with a risk of death from coronary heart disease that was markedly higher than the risk associated with nonemergency duties. Fire suppression had the highest risk. This is probably not surprising to most first responders. What is surprising is that there are still so many firefighters and EMS personnel who are not taking proactive measures to reduce their risks of heart attack and heart disease. First responders must be ready at a moments notice to battle very demanding emergencies. Emergency response personnel must be physically and mentally prepared for the job at hand. February is American Heart Month, an annual event that is designed to renew the nations commitment to fighting heart disease and increase public awareness of how to prevent this deadly illness. While heart health should always be a priority, American Heart Month creates an opportunity to reaffirm and re-energize our commitment to a leading healthy lifestyle. While getting and staying healthy takes some work, help is available. For emergency services personnel, the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program offers resources for individuals and departments to focus on their health. These include tools to start and expand a department health and wellness program, fitness demonstrations, healthy recipes, health assessment tools, success stories, training webinars, the Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop, smoking cessation resources, and more. In addition, the interactive Fired Up for Fitness Challenge motivates first responders to get active by providing incentive rewards for meeting fitness goals. Find all of these tools and more at www. healthy-firefighter.org. There are many simple steps you can take to begin on the path to heart health. These include: Aim for a healthy weight. It is important for a long, vigorous life. Excess weight and obesity cause many preventable deaths. Get moving. Make a commitment to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Eat for heart-health. Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Be sure to include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Know your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and blood glucose. Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal. If you smoke, try to quit. People who smoke are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers. Be proactive in your health and work to prevent avoidable illness and tragedy. With so many people who depend on you your family, your department, and your community you cannot afford to put off taking care of yourself. Find more steps, tips, and resources for becoming heart healthy on the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site at www. healthy-firefighter.org.
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5200 Bob Billings Parkway, Suite 301 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: (785)393-1299 bmills4321@me.com
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Up in smokenot on their watch

If youve ever sat around a bonfire at night roasting hot dogs and making smores, then you probably know the beauty of fire. However, if youve ever seen a prairie fire racing across a tallgrass pasture or felt the searing blast of a house ablaze, you undoubtedly have some inkling of the devastating power of a firegone-wild. Controlled fire is one of mans greatest tools, allowing the advent of modern civilization through the culinary arts and industry (think of a barbeque grill or the flare of a welders torch); but when fire escapes that control and spreads wildly through combustible materials, fire is one of mankinds deadliest enemies. And thats where the Bennington Volunteer Fire Department enters the picture. On Friday morning, Oct. 11, I was walking from my classroom in Bennington High School down to the cafeteria to get a cup of coffee when I saw the fire trucks in Bulldog Alley. A handful of men and women, 13 in all, some dressed in full firefighting regalia, stood talking in small groups as little kids trooped out the school doors and engaged in exploring the vehicles, observing the specialized tools like gasoline powered saws and long handled axes, and manning a fire hose to try to hit a target across the pavement. It was almost a scene out of a Norman Rockwell paintingAmericana at its best. Why were these volunteers standing by the trucks, explaining the equipment and speaking to the youngsters about the dangers of fire? Because these few men and women have made it their business to help protect the rest of us. Unlike most city employees, they are not paid to man the fire station or to present a lesson that might someday save a life or a home; they do it for the love of community and the sanctity of human life. Since we have been presenting these programs to the gradeschoolers, explains 22-year veteran David Carson (1980 BHS graduate), weve seen fires started by kids playing with matches or other materials drop from five or six a year to only an occasional incident. David Swetson, also a BHS alumnus from 2005, nods his head in agreement. We all chip in to fund this presentation that includes a bag of fire safety materials for every student. The guys and gals out here today take off from work to do this; its money out of our pocket, but its important to us, so we do it. These volunteers are of the same breed as those brave and heroic souls who, when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were on fire after 9/11 and people were rushing down the stairs to escape the conflagration, were rushing up the stairs to aid and rescue those caught in that hell-hole created by the worst terrorist attack on American soil. These seemingly ordinary men and women in Bennington, KS, USA, serve their country and community by offering their time and talents to protect and educate the young, the nave, and the complacent. They are ordinary citizens doing what it takes to make our nation great: volunteering for a cause that binds them together into a specialized force for the good and safety of the rest of us. In my 22 years on the Bennington Volunteer Fire Department, weve responded to hundreds of fires, says Carson. Probably 30 or 40 of those were house fires, and at least twice that number were car wrecks. We use the Jaws of Life tool on three or four of those wrecks a year, and often that makes the difference between survival and death. We encourage others to join us, Carson continues. Our junior firefighters are high school students like senior Casey Walters. These young people see the importance of what we are doing and have become a vital part of continuing the effectiveness of our volunteer force. We need young people to step up and help out. You can help fund the Bennington Volunteer Fire Department by making a donation of time and/or money. Every little bit helps these courageous men and women serve the greater good of our local communities and country. They are the ones who keep our dreams, homes, and lives from going up in smoke. (Minneapolis Messenger, Minneapolis, Nov. 7, 2013; written by Don Wagner.)
April 24-26, 2014

Check www.ksffa.com for details
ANNUaL KSFFA CONfERENCE SALINA, Ks
126
th
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KANSAS STATE FIREfIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Name:_______________________________ Department or Business:_________________ Address:_____________________________ Email Address:________________________
Individual Associate Membership - $10 per year (FIREWIRE mailed to your address) Department Membership $50 per year MaiL TO: STEVE HiRsCh, SECRETaRY, KSFFA BOX 296, ObERLiN, KS 67749
Shawnee Co. Fire District No. 4 gets new engine

Christmas came early to Shawnee County Fire District No. 4. The department received a new fire engine. The department purchased the fire engine with funds from its fire equipment fund and through a lease purchase agreement with Community Bank in Topeka. The engine cost about $215,000. Shawnee County Fire District No. 4 covers western Shawnee County and part of eastern Wabaunsee County. It is the only department in Shawnee County that is operated by volunteer firefighters only. There are about 20 volunteer firefighters and EMTs. The new fire engine will be placed at the Dover Fire Station and replaces an engine that is more than 20 years old. (Topeka Capital-Journal, Topeka, Dec. 20, 2013.
Financial statements need to be submitted by April 1

gram. One is a two-year comparison worksheet that allows you to use an electronic worksheet to populate your data and add or subtract amounts to check your work before starting the financial statement wizard. The other feature involves the annuity program. When you click on the financial statement wizard, the first thing that will pop up will be the annuity/pension screen. The screen will provide questions regarding your FRAs annuity program and take you through a step-by-step process. Once all the questions are answered and the amounts are entered, the information will be automatically populated in the financial statement, and you will be able to continue on with the other items. Those of you that file your income taxes using online programs will find the annuity/pension screen to be similar to the e-file systems that those programs use. If things go well, we will look into possibly expanding the e-file system to cover other areas of the financial statement. The overall goal of these improvements is to make things more efficient and easy to use. If you have any problems or suggestions to make the program better, please feel free to call, email, or drop by my office. Corporate status In the last edition of the Firewire, I mentioned that we would be creating a database to track every FRAs corporate status to make sure they were in good standing as a corporation with the Kansas Secretary of States office. Those FRAs found not in compliance are not eligible to receive money from the relief fund until their status is cleared. We have created that database and have sent out notification letters to those FRAs whose status was not in compliance. We have had a quick response from most of those FRAs and only have approximately 20 left that are not in compliance. If you think or know that your FRA is one of those 20, please contact us so we can take the steps to get you in good standing and qualified to receive money from the relief fund. New FRA Handbook All FRA treasurers should have received a new blue Kansas Firefighter Relief Act Handbook and Best Practices book in the mail along with the financial statement reminder letter. The handbook was changed to include some new information, update old information, and re-
arrange some of the sections for easier use. Please take some time to go through the handbook; it provides a wealth of information related to the Firefighter Relief Act. I will bring extra books to all events and workshops that I attend throughout the year. If you would like a handbook, please contact the office, and we can get one sent to you.
Steve Lehwald
By Steven Lehwald, Esq. Administrator, Fireghter Relief Act Kansas Insurance Department Financial statements The beginning of the year is a busy time for most people, and that is no different here at the Kansas Insurance Department. For the FRA program, it is now time to start submitting financial statements. Please submit your financial statements using the FRA online program by April 1. Failure to do so is a violation of Kansas statute and makes the FRA not qualified to receive a distribution from the relief fund. The online program can be found on the Kansas Insurance Departments website at www.ksinsurance.org/secure/FRAOnline/index.php. To log in, you will need to know your FRA number, username, and password for your particular FRAs account. If you do not know this information, call the office at (785) 296-7831 and we can set it up for you. As previously mentioned, there will be two new features provided in the FRA online pro-
By Todd Hart, Deputy Chief elected to the board without all of of the City of Olathe you. Again, thanks to everyone. Fire Department As a KPERS Board member My name is Todd Hart and we are asked to do several things I serve as Deputy Chief of the while serving in this capacity; City of Olathe Fire Department. however, the primary role of the This past summer, I was elected Board of Trustees is to provide to the KPERS Board of Trust- general administration over the ees as the Non-School retirement system and representative. Before to ensure that the funds I discuss my role on are invested in a fiduthe Board of Trustees, ciary manner. I want to thank all the Since my first meetfirefighters throughout ing, I have been exthe State of Kansas posed to a large amount that helped me win this of information and election. It was great have learned a great to see how we orgadeal about the overall nized as a group to obKPERS program. There tain ballot signatures, are some very compecreate a calling tree, tent people working at speaking at various KPERS and they alevents, and essentially Todd Hart ways take careful conspreading the word of sideration to employ the the importance of a healthy Kan- best consultants and advisors so sas Public Employees Retire- that our funds continue to receive ment System. the best returns on investments. I I especially want to thank am also highly impressed by the Captain John Dejulio, Assistant dedication and the level of experChief Doug Fischer, Police Ser- tise that KPERS employees in geant Brian Wessling, and the en- Topeka provide to the members tire Olathe Fire Department for on a daily basis. all of the support you provided to It is no secret that KPERS has this effort. I could not have been had some funding concerns in the
KPERS update from your KPERS Trustee
past; however, KPERS has been working with the legislature to develop an action plan to address shortages and bring the plan into actuarial balance. The plan did very well from 2004 to 2007 and then the market steeply declined as a result of the great recession of 2008. This decline resulted in a couple other changes such as higher contribution rates and a cash balance plan for new KPERS members after 1/1/15. The funding issues did not happen overnight and they wont be completely solved overnight; however, the good news is that KPERS is making great strides. In fact, 2012 showed a 14.7 percent rate of return on investments and so far we are on track for a 14 percent rate of return in 2013. In 2008, KPERS total assets were valued at $8.8 billion and today that amount has risen to $15.2 billion. The plan is on track to be fully funded by 2033. In summary, I am truly honored to serve on the KPERS Board of Trustees and will always strive to act in the best interest of each member. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts regarding KPERS and or KPF.
Blaze destroys century-old home
The home of Evelyn Anshutz, NW 190th Street, was destroyed in a fire that broke out just after 9:30 p.m., Tuesday. The home in the northwest part of the county was almost fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived at the rural farmstead north of Seward. Firefighters from Stafford, Barton and Pawnee counties responded to the scene. Evelyn, who arrived home just after the fire started left and called 911 from another location. Flames were contained to just the house even though strong winds fanned the flames and blew embers into a group of Cedar trees bordering the yard. Firefighters were on scene until approximately 3 a.m., Wednesday. The home was the familys original homestead with the house being built circa 1887. A fire department spokesperson said they believe the cause of the fire was electrical. (St. John News, St. John, Nov. 27, 2013; written by Terry Spradley.)
A reghter shoots a stream of water to Evelyn Anshutzs home. Photo by Terry Spradley, St. John News.
10
Elora Bickford retires after 33 years of service with Burlingame Fire Department
On Jan. 18, Burlingame Fire District #6 held its annual awards banquet and honored long time volunteer Lt. Elora Bickford for 33 years of dedicated service to the community of Burlingame and surrounding area. She was presented with a custom painted traditional helmet, a certificate from Kansas State Firefighters Association presented by Treasurer Dan Romine as well as certificates from the Kansas Board of EMS and the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Elora began her volunteer service on April 2, 1981, when she signed up with a newly formed group called the Burlingame Rescue Squad. This was a group of several community minded people that saw a need for what we now call First Responders. Their operating budget came solely from donations. The group was very well supported by the community. As time went on liability insurance and other costs got to be more than they could afford. In July of 1987 the group made a deal with the local fire As with all volunteer service very seriously. She became certi- Lieutenant over the medical prodepartment and they joined forc- there is always training and new fied as a First Responder June 9, gram for the fire department on es. Elora stayed until this day as things to learn. Elora took that 1988. She was later promoted to Jan. 7, 1993. As she challenged one of only two of the origiherself more, she became nal group that merged with a certified EMT April 13, the fire department. 1995, Firefighter I certified Elora spent 33 years in June of 1997 and became working for the VA hospian EMT-I on Sept. 11, 1998. tal in Topeka as well as beYou could always find Eloing a dedicated wife to her ra attending the SCAFFA husband Ron and raising a school in Topeka every family of three girls. Elora spring as well as numerous passed on her sense of comother training opportunities. munity to her daughters. Elora has been a very The oldest daughter, Teresa active volunteer for BurlinMcNellis, who was honored game. She has participated for 25 years of service at the in and played a big part in banquet and is still an active the progress of the departmember, Marisa Lacoe is ment, especially with the married to Eric, who volunfirst responder medical proteers for Beloit Fire Departgram. ment, and Alicsa Mayer and There is no doubt she husband, Dana both volunhas touched many lives in teer for Alta Vista Fire Dethe community. It takes a partment. Eloras husband special person to do what Ron spent many years as a she has done selflessly for volunteer for Burlingame Burlingame Fire District #6 honored long time volunteer Lt. Elora Bick- 33 years. Burlingame Fire Fire Department as well as ford for 33 years of dedicated service to the community of Burlingame and Department and the comserved several terms on the surrounding area. She was presented with a certicate from Kansas State munity wish her the best in Burlingame City Council. her retirement. Fireghters Association, presented by Treasurer Dan Romine.
1928 re truck still serving city

The Graham Brothers fire truck Baldwin City bought new off the assembly line more than seven decades ago is still serving the city. Baldwin City Fire Chief Allen Craig said he was preparing the truck for its annual appearance in the communitys Dec. 7 Festival of Lights Parade. Hes given it a mechanical tune-up and getting ready to put on the electrical converter that will supply power to the Christmas lights strung on the truck for the parade. The truck also is a yearly entry in the Maple Leaf Festival Parade. Craig said he didnt know if more miles were put on the fire truck answering fires back in its heyday or as a popular parade vehicle since it was restored in 1973. Its been in a lot of them, Craig said. We used to take it to parades in Ottawa and Gardner. Ive driven the truck in every Festival of Lights Parade since it replaced the old Christmas Parade about 20 years ago. Craig has traced the purchase of the truck through fire department ledgers he saved from the scrap heap when the city converted to electronic records. The Graham truck with four-cylinder Dodge motor was purchased in May 1928 from local car dealer Perry Stover for $800. The total cost of its conversion to a fire truck with a bed and chemical soda-acid activated water tanks was $3,580, although the city was credited for a trade in of the citys older Ford truck, the records show. The truck was the citys primary defense against fires until a new truck was purchased in 1949. At that time it was given to the citys public works department for its use. Archie Carlson said he was at the last fire the Graham was called to help fight. The volunteers with the city department brought the truck to the scene of a small fire in a Baker University sorority house because they didnt know how to operate the tanks or hoses on its replacement, Carlson said. As a spectator at the fire, he helped get the new truck in operation, Carlson said. I said, Heck, you better let me join the department so I can come down and run it (the new truck) for you, said Carlson, who stayed on the department for 54 years and was its longtime chief. The truck was in pretty rough shape when the fire department got it back from public works, Craig said. But with extensive restoration work, its now a showpiece. Its entry in the parade is popular with children, because it always carries Santa Claus in the back. Playing that role in the parade, as he has for the past 33 years, will be Craigs old friend Gary Browne. I gave him the chance once to ride our new Quint (fire truck) instead, Craig said. He chose the Graham. Craig and Browne put the truck in service one last time about a decade back when Craig answered a fire call as the Christmas parade activities were ending in the truck. I asked Gary if he wanted to go, and he said, Heck yeah, Craig said. It turned out to be nothing, but I turned on the old siren the last couple of blocks. The guys at the scene were all smiles when I pulled up. (Baldwin City Signal, Baldwin, Nov. 21, 2013; written by Elvyn Jones.)
Joseph Joe Schweiger passed away January 1

Joseph Joe Schweiger age 79, of rural Osawatomie, KS, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at his home. Joe was born Dec. 4, 1934, in Lenexa, KS. He was the oldest of 10 children born to Clarence Maximillian and Theresa Catherine (Renner) Schweiger. Joe grew up in the Lenexa area and attended school there. He graduated from St. Agnes (Bishop Miege High School) in the class of 1952. On Sept. 20, 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in active duty until Aug. 5, 1962, at which time he was in the Army Reserves until Sept. 19, 1963. During his time in the Army he was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, Fort Monmouth, NJ, Fort Sheridan, IL and served overseas in Germany. Joe married Barbara Ann Yurchak on May 4, 1963, at St. Cyril Church in Kansas City, KS. They became the parents of seven children. The couple made their home in Lenexa for nine years. They moved to rural Osawatomie in 1972, where they raised their family. Joe and Barbara celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past May. Joe was a farmer all of his life working his own land. Also, he was a fireman in Lenexa for several years, so when he moved to rural Franklin County becoming a member of the volunteer fire department was just a part of who he was. He was proud to serve his community and served as a long time Fire Chief of Cutler Township VFD (Rantoul). Joe also worked on the road crew for Franklin County for about 15 years. He was a man who was always busy. He was known to say Cant was not a part of his vocabulary. He enjoyed recycling things, making something old into something new. He made many varieties of yard art from recycling. Joe attended craft and art shows in the area, displaying and selling his yard art. He also was an antique tractor enthusiast. He was in tractor shows for several years. Showing his collection of antique tractors, one of his favorites is his 1935 Allis Chalmers W.C. He was a member of the St. Philip Neri Church in Osawatomie, KS, a member of the Power of the Past (antique tractor organization), member of the Ruritan Club of Lane, Kansas, and the Kansas Firefighters Association. Joe also served on the Central Heights School Board and the Lane, Kansas Fair Board. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son on March 24, 1972, two sisters, Helen Eckerberg and Barbara Eckerberg and one brother, Carl Schweiger. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home, five sons, Christopher (Pamela) Schweiger of Blythe, GA, Steven (Janice) Schweiger of Gresham, OR, Joseph (Jinny) Schweiger of Rantoul, KS, Damon (Rachele) Schweiger of Tucson, AZ, Gregory (Aly) Schweiger of Knoxville, TN and one daughter Angela (Doug) Farrell of Pomona, KS. Eight grandchildren, Brett, Ethan, Tyler, Dylan, Alyssa, Fern Schweiger, Melissa and Kyle Evans. Three brothers: Thomas Schweiger of Gravois Mills, MO, Clarence Schweiger of Basehor, KS, Bernard Schweiger of Olathe, KS, three sisters, Dorothy McClain of Osawatomie, KS, Joan Norman of Overland Park, KS and Mary Rice of Wellsville, KS and many other family and friends.
Ransom/Nevada assisted Utica Fire Department

Submitted by Stan Berry Ransom/Nevada Township assisted Utica Fire Department at a structure fire in Utica. An agricultural spray vehicle was the seat of the fire within the storage building. The vehicle was fully involved when Ransom arrived on scene. After a brief attempt at entry with a two-inch line was thwarted by heavy smoke from fiberglass and oil fire, the Ransom crew knocked down the fire with their deck gun and access was then made to mop up and move the sprayer away from a high concentration of methanol barrels.
11
Brad Smith elected as president of the KS Association of Fire Chiefs

professional behavior should By Brad Smith strike home to us as leaders and President, KSAFC First I want to say a big future leaders in the fire service. Thank you for the confidence Cameron Bucek presented an placed in me by the Fire Chiefs excellent message on the new of Kansas for electing me to be NFPA 1584, Rehabilitation Practices and Medical your President of the Monitoring. CamKS Association of eron is sponsored by Fire Chiefs for the the IAFC and Manext two years. I am simo Corporation. A humbled and honspecial treat was the ored and know that presence of Randy I have big shoes to Mantooth who did fill following Presiopening comments. dent McLemore. I Many of you have want to thank Chief met Randy and a lot McLemore for his of us remember him commitment to the as Johnny Gage Kansas Fire Service. of Emergency. We It is not an easy job had a great banquet when you are workand fellowship time ing your fulltime job on Saturday eveat the same time. Brad Smith ning including the My goal as President will be to continue the mis- presentation of Fire Chief of the sion of the KSAFC of promoting Year award to a very deserving and enhancing the Kansas fire person, Chief Larry Ellis. Conservice. We will be doing this gratulations to Chief Ellis! by providing communication to On Sunday morning we finKansas Fire Chiefs on a regular ished up our conference with basis whether from the President an opportunity to discuss future or from District Representatives. The Kansas Association of Fire Chiefs hosted our annual conference in Hutchinson, KS, Oct. 24-27, 2013. Hutchinson Community College Fire Science and Hutchinson Fire Department served as hosts for this years conference. A big thank you to them for an excellent program and facility to use. There are not many places in Kansas that vendors can drive their trucks including APs inside to be out of the October weather. Speakers for the Conference were Dr. Denis Onieal, Director of the National Fire Academy, and Cameron Bucek. Dr. Onieal gave a Friday afternoon presentation talking about the Future of the Fire Service and Ethics in Emergency Services. Two of the main points of his excellent presentation were 2013 Ford F-450 Future success is dependent Super Duty Chassis on todays preparation. The fact that we deal with so much Rear Mount Pump change in our culture makes the Chiefs job that much more difControls ficult. His other point dealt with the stupid things that we can do 300 Gallon as Chiefs to destroy our reputations and that of our departments. UPF Tank His point about leaders having a blend of personal humility and legislative issues with KSAFC Lobbyist Pat Lehman. We have a lot of issues that we continue to work on and need to get righted in the coming legislative sessions. Make plans now on attending the 2014 Conference Oct. 2326 again in Hutchinson. We are planning a great conference and if you want to request something special let your District Representative know and we will consider it. The Association, made up of over 250 Kansas Fire Chiefs also has two divisions, the Kansas Pro-Chiefs and the Fire Prevention Association of Kansas. These two divisions bring an extra perspective to the table when we are discussing issues affecting the Kansas Fire Service. Members of the executive board serve on a number of committees in the State including the Memorial Committee, Kansas Fire Service Working Group, Kansas Fire/Rescue Training Commission, Homeland Security Regional Councils and many more. All of this while working a fulltime job whether in the fire service or in the real world. For contact information on your district representatives, Vice-President Shelton or myself, go to www.ksafc.org.
Sabetha Fire Department honors ve members whose combined service totals 125 years
At the monthly drill of the Sabetha Fire Department in December, Fire Chief Jim Johnson and the Sabetha Fire Department honored four department members, Chris Baumgartner, who has been with the fire department for 10 years; Zon Middendorf, who is retiring after serving for 20 years; Tom Nolte, who has served for 30 years; and Bob Steiner, who is retiring after serving for 45 years. The years of service provided by these four men, combined with the 20 years served by Alvin Thompson, who retired in October, totals 125 years of service to the Sabetha Fire Department and the local community. The Sabetha Fire Department, which responds to an average of 40 to 50 calls per year, meets the first Tuesday of each month and has drill the third Tuesday of each month. (Sabetha Herald, Sabetha, Dec. 25, 2013.)
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12
Holcomb hosts December re school

By Steve Hirsch, KSFFA Secretary The Holcomb Community Fire Department was host for the November regional KSFFA fire school. Chief Bill Knight welcomed students to the school from all across Kansas. Also speaking at the school were two legislators who represent the Finney County area: Representative Ron Ryckman, Sr. from Meade and Representative John Doll from Garden City. Both spoke about firefighters getting involved in the political process so that their views are known to the legislators in Topeka. The weather was beautiful outside for the fire school held on Nov. 16 and 17, 2013, at Holcomb. On Saturday morning the classes taught were Search and Rescue/PPE, Defensive Driving, and Wildland Fires all of which continued into the afternoon. The Burlington Northern Railroad was on hand to present a Responding to Railway Emergencies class all day long, part of which was at the railroad siding in Holcomb inspecting a locomotive and several cars. The next morning (Sunday) firefighters from all over Kansas participated in Oil Tank Battery Fire class and Firefighter Rehab class as well as a Grain Elevator Fire class. Sunday afternoon the KSFFA burn trailer was on hand so that students could practice their live fire evolution skills. The KU skills trailer was also on hand for firefighters to participate in. The school was well attended
and many firefighters got some great training at the regional fire school held in Holcomb.
Fireghters gathered for the Holcomb regional re school in November. Photo by Dan Romine.
State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen was on hand for the re school at Holcomb in November. Photo by Dan Romine. Fireghters begin to gather for live re evolutions at the Holcomb re Fireghters participated in hands on training at the KSFFAs Holcomb re school. Photo by Dan Romine. school. Photo by Dan Romine.
TOPEKA -MARCH, 2014 SCAFFA SCHOOL

Rep. Ron Ryckman, Sr. addressed the reghters at the regional school in Holcomb. Photo by Dan Romine.
13
Anderson Co. and Garnett Fire Depts. host December fire school
By Steve Hirsch, KSFFA Secretary The Kansas State Firefighters Association officers traveled to Garnett for the Dec. 7 and 8, 2013 regional fire school. The school was hosted by the Garnett Fire Department and the Anderson County Fire Department. Saturday morning the association officers busied themselves with classes on building construction/structural collapse, Engine Company Operations for small departments, Incident Safety Officer and Farm Rescue. In the afternoon the Lessons Learned class was added to the line up. Farm Rescue class was held inside during the morning hours but moved outside after dinner for lots of hands on activities. On Sunday the Farm Rescue class continued and classes on Vehicle Fires and Salvage and Overhaul were also added. The vehicle fire class was able to burn several cars in the late morning. Then the students moved on to the live fire evolutions in the KSFFA burn trailer. The school was well attended despite the weather on Sunday being anything but perfect. It was very cold and snowy. In addition firefighters had been out the evening before with a house fire in the community. The officers of the KSFFA thank the members and officers of the Anderson County Fire Department and the Garnett Fire Department for a well-planned fire school - and to the firefighters from all over Kansas who attended the training.
Fireghters participated in hands on activities at the Garnett Fire School. Photo by Dan Romine. Fireghters (left) participated in the live re evolutions in the KSFFA burn trailer at Garnett during the regional re school. Photo by Dan Romine.
Fireghters (above) are pictured in the farm rescue class at the re school in Garnett. Photo by Dan Romine. The car re class got some good practice at the Garnett-KSFFA re school. Photo by Dan Romine.
Please send them to jeff@kansasrewire.com along with information to explain the photo.
Needed: Action Fire Photos
14
Marion Co. Fire Chiefs Association hosts January fire school

By Steve Hirsch, KSFFA Secretary The Marion County Fire Chiefs Association hosted the monthly KSFFA regional fire school in Marion on Jan. 4 and 5. Friday night Westar Energy put on a class on electrical emergencies, which was well attended. Planning and preparation for the event had gone on for several months. The one thing that you cant plan for is the weather. While it was cold out on Saturday in Marion, when evening came the weather began to turn bad. Five or six inches of snow fell with quite a bit of wind. While the fire school classes went ahead as planned, the frigid weather on Sunday did lead to cancellation of the burn trailer on Sunday afternoon. Chief Mark Slater of the Florence Fire Department served as event chair for the school. Chief Slater began the school by asking the Hillsboro American Legion to present the colors and all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. He then introduced one of the Marion County Commissioners who welcomed all of the firefighters to the school, which was held at the Marion High School. This facility is an old building that has been built onto and turned into a sparkling educational facility. President J.L. Ellis gave a brief overview of the association and the students then proceeded to their classes. On Saturday classes taught were Wildfires, Rapid Intervention, Farm Rescue, Fire Behavior and Grain Elevator incidents. While these classes were mainly classroom instruction in the morning, when afternoon came, several of them headed out for hands on activities in the county. On Saturday afternoon a class in Building Construction and Structural Collapse was added to the lineup. The Chiefs Association was able to provide lunch at the school both days along with a barbeque on Saturday night at the Marion County Lake, which was very delicious. On Sunday the instructors continued with fire classes in Farm Rescue, Oil Tank Battery Fires, and a workshop for Chief Officers. The Kansas State Firefighters Association would like to thank the Marion County Fire Chiefs Association and the fire departments in Marion County and across the state for their preparation for and attendance at this school.
One of Marion Countys Commissioners addressed the crowd of reghters at the regional re school in Marion in January. Photo by Dan Romine.
Several of the KSFFA ofcers and attending reghters listen to the speakers at the opening ceremonies at the re school in Marion. Photo by Dan Romine.
The Farm Rescue class used air bags during an exercise at the regional re school in Marion. Photo by Dan Romine.
Fireghters practice rescue skills in the Farm Rescue class at the re school in Marion. Photo by Dan Romine.
15
KSFFA Regional Fire Schools

Contact Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute to arrange for Fireghter One and Two testing at regional re schools.
The KSFFA offers t testing with its porta-count machine at all regional re schools.

Presents Regional Fire School February 1-2, 2014 Clain, KS
Saturday - February 1 8 AM
Grain Elevator Fires * Rapid Intervention * @ Wildfire Training Engine Company Operations for Small Departments Honoring Your Members (see notice to the right)
CLAFLIN - FEBRUARY, 2014

Hosted by Clain Fire Dept.artment
Sunday, February 2 8 AM
Fire Cause Determination Chief Officer Class Thermal Imaging KSFFA Burn Trailer * @
Sunday, February at conclusion of morning classes
SCFFA SCHOOL MARCH 19-23, 2014 TOPEKA, KS GO TO WWW.KSFFA.COM

FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Location:
Clain Community Center
Contacts:
Chief Doug Hubbard - clainfd@hbcomm.net
Justin Crouse, KSFFA NW Trustee - justincouse1973@hotmail.com
THESE COURSES ARE OFFERED AT NO CHARGE.

These schools are open to all firefighters/EMTs in Kansas Bunker Gear will be required to participate in the school. SCBAs are required for some classes. Please bring as many as possible - mark your equipment. The Kansas State Firefighters Association, Inc. furnishes medical insurance for all participants. At the opening on Saturday, representatives from KSFFA, and the State Insurance Department will be on hand to answer questions concerning their respective organizations. The KSFFA will also be selling IFSTA training material and KSFFA items (shirts, hats, jackets and etc.) The Kansas State Firefighters Association, Inc., is not responsible for lost or damaged clothing or equipment. If you desire to have Firefighter One or Two testing, this must be pre-registered through Kansas Fire & Rescue Training institute.
(CE) THESE CLASSES ARE APPROVED FOR BEMS CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS * THESE CLASSES REQUIRE FULL TURN OUT GEAR - @ THESE CLASSES REQUIRE SCBA

Presents Regional Fire School April 5-6, 2014 Agra, KS
Saturday - April 6
FRA Workshop (4 hrs.) Rapid Intervention (8 hrs.) *@ Wildland Fires (8 hrs.) Vehicle Extrication (12 hrs.) * CE Ethanol Fires (8 hrs.)
AGRA APRIL, 2013

Hosted by Agra Fire Dept.
Sunday, April 6

Presents Regional Fire School May 3-4, 2014 Ashland, KS
Saturday - May 3 AM
GPS for Emergencies & USAR Markings (4 hrs.) NFIRS and Code Reporting (4 hrs.) Vehicle Extrication (8 hrs. EMS hrs. offered) * Oil Tank Battery Fires (4 hrs.)
ASHLAND MAY, 2014

Hosted by Ashland Fire Department
Sunday - May 4 AM
at conclusion of morning classes
Fire Ground - Burn Trailer * @
Chief Officers Class (4 hrs.) Thermal Imaging Class (4 hrs.) Fire Cause and Determination (4 hrs.)
Thunder Ridge Middle School
Location: Motel:
Sunday - Jan. 5
Saturday - May 3 PM
at conclusion of morning classes
Sunday, April 6 AM
Vehicle Extrication (cont.) * CE Propane Safety Oil Tank Battery Fires Lessons Learned Vehicle Fires * @
Phillipsburg, Cottonwood Motel Hwy. 36 East
Contacts:
Vehicle Extrication (cont.) Oil Tank Battery Fires (4 hrs.) Propane Safety (4 hrs.) GPS for Emergencies & USAR Markings (4 hrs.)
KSFFA Burn Trailer * @

Room space is available at Ashland Community Church Camp 1501 S. Main St., Ashland, KS Sat. meals and Sun. breakfast will be served at the church camp.
Chief Dennis Nelson 785-476-5603 Dennelson@ruraltel.net Troy Ward 785-476-7673 (cell) 785-638-2471 (home)
Saturday - May 3 Evening

Propane Props Live Fire Training * @
For more info. contact:

Chief Dave Redger 620-635-5259 Troy Wolf, SW Trustee 620-492-1861
16
Anderson and Kolars retire from the Belleville Fire Department

After nearly 100 years of com- fighting the upstairs blaze when sneak to Colorado, and I had to and was asked to join the departbined service to the Belleville a flashback blew the two down a go on crutches. ment. fire department, Don Anderson staircase. He went to college a few Its been a big part of my life, and Melvin Kolars are retiring. I sprained my ankle real bad, months, but he didnt like it, he Anderson said. Its a thing you Both men were asked to join the Anderson said. We took a senior said, so he returned to Belleville do no matter what you were dofire department and said ing. Ive been talkthey have been honored ing business with to serve their community people on the phone for a significant portion of and said, Ive got to their lives. go, because there When 79-year-old Anwas a fire. derson retires in DecemMore than six ber, he will be the longestdecades later, he is serving member of the retiring, he said, so Belleville fire department that he can spend with 61 years. He was 18 more time vacationyears old when he joined ing with his wife, the department. Actually, Betty. he was just in high school We travel a when he helped with his lot, said Anderson, first fire. who owns MidI happened to be goAmerica Truck in ing by Christies HatchBelleville. The reaery on the east side of the son I stepped down square and saw the fire and from fire chief was stopped and helped, he because sometimes said. we were gone for a He and fire chief Harry month. Don Anderson and Melvin Kolars will retire as volunteers with the Belleville Fire Ferguson, who had the Seventy-yearprevious record of nearly Department this year. Anderson has been a member of the department for 61 years, old Kolars, who was 60 years of service, were and Kolars for 35. Photo by Cynthia Sheer, Belleville Telescope. asked to join the fire department by then-neighbor Don Harding, will retire with 35 years of service. After all these years its probably time to retire, he said. With the younger generation coming in, its time. I will still come to the meetings, probably, and help where I can. The way it was Anderson said many things have changed over the past 60 years. When he joined the department in 1953, there were 15 firemen plus the fire chief. Because the phone dial system didnt go into use until the 1960s, operators knew who was on the fire department and knew how to find them in the event of a fire. The operators knew all your friends, Anderson said. Theyd track you down. The first fireman to reach the station would turn on the siren to alert others. This was also back in the day when the fire suits were little more than rubber rain slickers, Anderson said, and helmets fit poorly. Technology advanced, and firemen were soon using plectrons, which were boxes plugged into outlets that would sound when there was a fire. Every fireman got one, Anderson said. There was one at work and at their residence. Kolars said firemen are now alerted by pagers while officers carry radios. Lives lost to re Decades of service have given Anderson and Kolars more than a few memories. Kolars said one of the events that sticks in his mind was the plane crash at the airport in the late 1980s. It was one of those experimental planes that you build yourself, he said. Somehow the plane flipped and caught fire. The pilot and his son, whom Kolars estimated to be about 12 years old, were killed in the fire. We stayed until the coroner came, Kolars said. I still remember the chain, the necklace, around the young kids neck. Anderson said he is still haunted by the day he was unable to save a young boy from a burning house on N Street the only child lost in a Belleville fire during Andersons tenure. He said the fire was early in his firefighting career. The child Anderson estimated the boy to be about 5 or 6 years old ran back into the burning house to retrieve his teddy bear. Anderson and another fireman went into the home to rescue the boy. The fire was hot, Anderson said, and the paper was burning off the wall. The two-story house had two staircases, and nobody was sure which way the boy may have gone. The firemen decided to try entering the house a different way, he said. One staircase was just off the kitchen, so the firemen, with Anderson in the lead, attempted to go in through a kitchen window. I broke the window with the hose because thats all I had, and I cut my hand real bad, Anderson said. They told me I had Belleville, page 17
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Belleville Fire Department

to leave and go to the hospital. I didnt want to. I was going to find that boy. I would have found him. Anderson was taken to the hospital while the firemen continued to search for the child. The boy was found in the hallway leading off that kitchen staircase, but he was found too late. Anderson said he remembers how he was moved to the hospital hallway when the boy was brought in. The boys name has since left his memory, but that day is still with him. I woke up a lot in the night after that, Anderson said. I had a hard time sleeping. It still wakes me up at night. Anderson said he also helped retrieve a man from a burning house years ago. The fire department reached the house well after the blaze started, and there was little hope of rescuing a survivor, Anderson said. He crawled through the burning house until he felt a hand, which was already charred. Early fire detection thanks to smoke detectors have reduced significantly the number of rescues the local fire department has done during house fires, Anderson said. Saving buildings Both Anderson and Kolars recalled the fire at Melton Motors in the mid-1980s, an afternoon fire that was started during the replacement of a fuel switch when gas dripped onto a trouble light and caused an explosion. I wasnt on the fire department long when that fire happened, Kolars said. I worked for REA and was out in the country, so I got there a little later and ran the pumper. Anderson and another fireman were attacking the fire from the back alley when a third fireman noticed the wall was beginning to crack. They retreated back down the two-foot alley and re-located to the roof. All of a sudden, Anderson said, an acetylene bottle exploded through the roof about 10 feet from where he was standing. It left a hole the size of a table, Anderson said. It turned the bottle inside out, he said, adding that pieces of the bottle were found from main street to the city office parking lot. We never found the bottom of the bottle. There were a lot of explosions during that fire, Kolars said. Anderson said the fire department was called back to the fire at 3 a.m. because of a flare up. He said the fire was centered in the middle of the rubble, so he had to make his way through the burned cars and ash to get to the fire. As he reached the fire, he noticed it was burning around an acetylene tank. Ill be right honest with you, he said. I didnt know what to do. It was too late to run, but I knew that tank could explode. Anderson said he decided to spray water on the fire and hope for the best. The gamble paid off; the tank did not explode. Anderson also worked the fire at the Kravmore, located where Dairy Queen now sets. Kolars said he remembered traffic being re-directed because fire hoses laid across the highway. And there was snow on the ground, too, he said. There was ice on everything. The Kravmore fire was a huge fire, Anderson said of the nighttime blaze. Anderson said he recalled the moments after he entered the building to fight the flames. The kitchen was vented into the attic, and the grease took off on fire and there was a huge explosion, he said. The windows blew out behind me. When the windows blew out, did you retreat? Anderson was asked. Oh hell yes, he said. Kolars said the twice-monthly firefighter meetings are designed to make the volunteer firemen prepared for situations that become dangerous. I look at it as an honor to be on the fire department because you ask people to be on the department that you trust, he said. Its quite a deal to go into a burning house. You have to have someone beside you who you trust. The lighter side Anderson and Kolars told of some now-humorous moments during their tenure. Anderson recalled the time when he arrived at a fire to find a hysterical woman in her front yard. She said a name, and we thought it was a child, so we went in looking for a child, Anderson said. Anderson and another fireman crawled through the house to a back bedroom. There, in a room black with smoke, they found a crib. They reached into the crib and grabbed a soft bundle and wrapped it in a blanket. But the door to the room had shut, and the firemen couldnt find their way out. Thats the only time I got trapped, Anderson said. The buzzer began to go off on their air tanks, which meant they had only five minutes of oxygen left. They finally made their way back outside only to discover that what they had rescued was a pillow, and the woman was hysteri-
continued from page 16 cal because she thought her cat was still inside the house. Anderson also recalled the day when he responded to a fire at a little house on 16th Street. After he helped put out the fire, and fell through the burned floor, he said he was helping clean up the basement when the phone began ringing off the hook. So I finally answered it and a woman said, Whos this and what are you doing in my house? Anderson recalled. I said, Im Don Anderson and were putting your basement out. (Belleville Telescope, Belleville, Nov. 28, 2013; written by Cynthia Sheer.)
April 24-26, 2014

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18
Fire Safety Award presentation

By Sonny Ruff, KSFFA Historian Lawrence Sonny Ruff was greatly surprised on Dec. 10, 2013, by a presentation to him of the State of Colorado Fire Prevention Safety Medallion Award for his efforts on evacuating the assisted living and rest home in Holyoke, CO, where he is residing. He not only assisted in the evacuation of the facility but also in directing the fire department units to the area of the fire, which was soon under control and the residents were returned to their rooms. Sonny, who was an officer, historian and instructor in the Kansas State Firefighters Association for 45 years has been convalescing in the Carriage House Assisted Living Unit in Holyoke, where his daughter resides. Sonny is getting better but has been having a bout of problems with filling up with calcium. He is taking great advantage of the hospital in Holyoke, which is just six blocks away. He has blood taken every Wednesday to determine his calcium level in his body with treatments prescribed if the level is high or low - consequently he doesnt get far from the hospital. The State of Colorado Department of Public Safety traveled to Holyoke to present this prestigious award to Sonny in front of the people who live and work in the home. In addition he was given a number of patches and the Fire Service Medallion plus a beautifully decorated cake topped the table. Sonny was very surprised to see members of his family at the ceremony. After the presentation cake and refreshments were served. Believe it or not Sonny just happened to have his rope handy to work some knots for those in attendance!
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Twenty six firefighters graduate

Twenty-six firefighters graduated in a ceremony held Nov. 21 at Memorial Hall in Kansas City. You will face danger but also be empowered by overcoming fear, Kansas City Fire Chief John Paul Jones told the graduates. You will now be tested mentally, physically and emotionally in ways you never thought possible. I am confident you will make us proud. Mayor Mark Holland addressed the group, noting that people in America sometimes take for granted the excellent emergency service they have. In some places in the world, lack of emergency service means death. Also, there are other places in the metropolitan area that dont have the caliber of emergency services that Kansas City has, he added. We are giving to you the responsibility for our community, and it is a sacred trust, he told the graduates. Officials with the Kansas City Fire Department pointed out that the class contained a fourth generation firefighter, Chris Wing, as well as another fourth-generation firefighter, a third-generation firefighter and some second-generation firefighters. Josh Bubeck graduated No. 1 in his class, with an almost perfect score in the academy, and addressed the class. (Wyandotte Daily News, Kansas City, Nov. 28, 2013.)
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MVAs in central metropolitan area

Mark R. Shoemaker, Assistant Chief Reading Benet Fire District #1 Reading, KS Dec. 29 was a busy day at the Reading Fire Station. At 9:30 a.m. volunteers responded to two separate motor vehicle accidents. Both of the MVAs were located just south of the Reading Benefit Fire District #1 station approximately 100 feet. Twelve people responded with Engine #6 and Rescue #2 the remainder arrived POV. Time from tones to arrival approximately 59.2 seconds. Command established, 360-degree size-up, patient assessment, primary and secondary extrication plan of action in place and communicated with team members. Tasks assigned and the extrication of patients begins. All this within 5 minutes 59.2 seconds of the tones. WOW!!!!! By now you have decided that this writer is the biggest Blow Hard in the entire fire service and went to the next article in the paper or think that this must be the most incredible thing to hit the wire in years. Im guessing youre rolling with the Blow Hard thing and moving on. Dont turn the page yet. I will admit I may have thrown a little extra in there to make weight and have a laugh. I am really a pretty serious guy. Please allow me to begin again, what one might call a Do Over. I just recently read an article where the writer said something that made me think about what it is we do in the fire service and if we are prepared to help when called upon. I quote, One may never have more opportunity to save a life then in an extrication. Training was held at the Reading Fire Department starting at 9:30 a.m. on a very cold and windy day. Twelve volunteers attended, two of which were from our neighboring department in Miller, KS. First item on the agenda was safety. Safety on the training ground was discussed as well as safety at the extrication scene. The young men were surprised to find out they, the responders were the most important people on scene. They believed it would be the patient or patients; however it was explained to them if they got hurt or hurt one of the other responders, resources would have to tend to their needs taking away from those who needed help the most. Mandatory safety topics were covered as well, such as proper PPE, communication, slips/trips, pinch points and so on. Following the safety briefing the scene was laid out for the first evolution. The scene was a single car accident with one patient trapped. Patient assessment indicated the patient was awake and alert complaining of pain around the lower chest and upper abdominal area. IC established the plan of patient removal, communicated with the team members, the extrication began. Stabilization of the car began with EMT making access to the patient immediately following the completion of stabilization. The vehicles electrical system was being de-energized simultaneously with stabilization. This training was not a timed event, it was treated as an actual emergency however time was taken to teach and to learn throughout the entire training day. Hydraulic jaws and spreaders were used throughout, along with reciprocating saws. Numerous hand tools were used as well. The patients leg had become entangled in the brake pedal, and a ratchet strap was used to pull the pedal to the side, which allowed the patients foot to be removed. The driver and passenger side
Extrication of a patient using air bags was practiced at the Reading Fire Department. Photo submitted by Mark Shoemaker.
Dash roll on the passenger side vehicle was practiced during training at the Reading Fire Department. Photo submitted by Mark Shoemaker.
doors were removed along with roof removal. The second scenario involved a two-car accident with the car resting on the tires with a minivan resting on its side. Several patients were removed. Air bags and cribbing were used to access a patient pinned under the van. All responders had the opportunity to get hands on and to learn many of the dos and donts. Lessons learned were many such as maintaining the tools. Removing trip hazards on scene such as, tools and debris taken out of the immediate work area. Knowing where the tools are in the trucks and their purpose. Traffic control is an absolute must, even in small towns we must own the scene and make it safe for those at the scene. During our mid-training break we enjoyed hot chili with all the fixings and good conversation. It was not long before the topic turned to staffing or I should say lack of staffing. Most of our members work and drive a fair distance from the station. Our community has many able-bodied men and women that live and work near the station however choose not to be a part of the department. We understand that volunteering is not for everyone but it seems most people want to help themselves and nobody else. At times it seems impossible to get people on the roster to even train. What is going on? Is the American way of business changing from helping your neighbor to forget your neighbor? This discussion has probably taken place in numerous departments around the country so I wont beat that drum any longer. We conceded it is simply a calling for some people. A noble cause to help your fellow man. Those called ask nothing in return and expect no standing ovation or parade in their name. The cry for help in the dark of night or someone asking for a breath seems to elude them, is the call that bends the ear of those men and woman who believe in the noble cause of service before self and the ability to Love thy neighbor. What is your calling? If you don your gear and respond when the tones sound, you are called. TRAIN, TRAIN,TRAIN!!! One may never have more opportunity to save a life than in an extrication. May God Bless those who are called.
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A classied ad in the Kansas Firewire! Participants practiced patient removal during the MVA training held at the Reading Fire Department. Photo submitted by Mark Shoemaker. Call 515.604.6400 to get your truck moving fast!
20
Fireghters receive thank you dinner for their service

The Fire Departments Amish Haystack meal was a big hit and a big change of taste for a dinner meal. No one went home hungry after eating a plate full of meat, fresh vegetables, and condiments. Servers started everyone off by piling fresh mashed potatoes on the plate and topping them with hamburger cooked and lightly seasoned with taco sauce. From then on, everyone was on their own as to what and how much they wanted to stack, haystack style, on top. Large bowls of chopped lettuce, cauliflower, radishes, celery, onions, chopped hard boiled eggs and green peppers were lined up and down the counter. All this was seasoned with your choice of Ranch or Dorothys dressing, and then topped with a thin cheese sauce. One hundred pounds of potatoes were peeled, and 55 pounds of hamburger were cooked, and it was heaped onto about 150 plates. The idea for this came from Wendy and Loren White. When they lived in Iowa, this was a popular meal to serve to a bunch of hungry people. Tina Sager made all the large assortment of pies. Dana Wright made a decorated cake for the fire department. Donna and Dennis Wright broke out their ice cream freezers from the Thresher Show and made homemade vanilla ice cream. Once they were through serving everyone, Cody Beeson presented Ned Smith, Dan Bowers and Dave Hickert with mirror plaques for their over 30 years of service to the fire department. Cody Beeson introduced the three men as filled with bravery and resolve to get the job done, no matter the cost. They have dedicated a large part of their lives to protecting Bird City and Cheyenne County, he said, facing many hard moments and overcoming a lot of difficulties to get the job done. Over the years, they have braved the weather, outdated equipment, and overwhelming odds, to be a protector of their community. They have left children and wives at home alone when tornadoes are near, and left their crops in their fields to protect their neighbors crops. Many times, they responded to the pagers, missing family gatherings or holiday meals because circumstances keep no calendar and know no clock. Each of these men, Ned, Dan and Dave, Beeson said, Have put in 20 plus years as a Bird City Volunteer Firefighter. This meant 20 plus years of sleeping with a radio near the beds, and giving their time to the community they live in. As Beeson looked at the time frame of when they started on the department, one thing stood out: How much they have worked to improve the department. A lot of badly needed new equipment was purchased in the mid to late 1970s, at about the time these young men joined the ranks. Improvements in training and communication were made in the 1980s, and a new building was built in the 1990s. In the 2000s, a training room was built, and security for firefighters hurt in the line of duty was established. A lot of these improvements were paid for by generous members of the community and municipal funds, but the driving force behind them were the goal oriented members of the fire department at the time of the improvements. Dan Bowers, Dave Hickert and Ned Smith were dedicated to their duties as firemen through all these changes. Their contributions to improving the fire service in Bird City are priceless. (Bird City Times, Bird City, Nov. 14, 2013; written by Norma Martinez.)
April 24-26, 2014

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Fewer structure fires, more EMS calls for fire department

Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou conveyed the good and bad of a busy 2013 for the Fort Scott Fire Department. Ballou appeared before the Fort Scott City Commission during its regular meeting Tuesday to provide a year-in-review report - including statistics and comparisons - for the department for 2013. It was a busy year, but yet fires were down. Thats significant for us, Ballou said. It was probably the busiest year as far as emergency runs for us. We helped a lot of citizens out this year. A lot. But thats what were there for. Ballou said the department made a total of 1,355 emergency incident runs in 2013, an increase of 128 runs from 2012. A big percentage of those - about 79 percent- are medical runs, which include EMS assists, ambulance runs made under the citys contract with Mercy Hospital, and car accidents. There was a significant decrease in nearly all types of fires the department handles in 2013, especially structure fires, Ballou said. The department averages about 20-25 structure fires per year, which includes fires in houses and businesses. In 2013, the department worked only 14 structure fires, a decrease of about six fires from 2012, he said. Every category of fire we have was down this year from last year, Ballou said. Car fires were up slightly. The department made 216 ambulance runs in 2013, which can sometimes mean added revenue for the city. In 2013, it meant an extra $28,000 in revenue, an increase from 2012. We contracted with Mercy I believe in 2006, Ballou said. They pay us a contract amount and after so many runs in a month, I think its six runs, we make extra revenue for the extra runs we make. The FSFD runs what Ballou called a second out ambulance for Mercy when Mercy makes ambulance runs. He said the entities work well together and its a really good system. (Ft. Scott Tribune, Fort Scott, Jan. 8, 2014; written by Jason E. Silvers.)
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Fredonia Fire Department received the call of a garage re located on the 600 block of S 8th at 0635 on Thanksgiving morning. The garage was separated from the house by approximately three feet. When reghters arrived the re had extended into the attic area of the house. The re was declared under control at 0745. The re was next door to the Fire Chiefs home. The Fredonia Fire Department responded with three engines, one rescue and 15 reghters. Fredonia received mutual aid from Neodesha Fire Department with one Quint and four reghters. Submitted by Rick Brown, Fredonia Fire Chief.
New Chapman fire chief ready for duties
Michael Simmons is ready to bring a few changes to the volunteer fire department. At this weeks Chapman City Council meeting, the recently appointed fire chief said those changes include securing equipment for the 14 firefighters, updating past fire reports and making sure the department takes pride in its community activities. Simmons said teaching and practicing safety will be his top priority. That focus also goes for the equipment hed like to look into acquiring. The equipment doesnt have to be the newest, but it should work properly, he told the council. It should be safe equipment for when it does come time to use it, Simmons said. Chapman City Administrator Gerry Bieker said Simmons will be a good fit for the department and the city. I look very much forward to working with Mike, Bieker said. He brings a wealth of knowledge and can move our department along very quickly. Simmons, who will be paid $200 per month, currently is a firefighter in Manhattan, although he lives in Chapman. Hes worked at the Manhattan Fire Department for two years. Before then, he was a firefighter in Hays for six years. He told the city council his job wont get in the way with his Chapman duties because of his shift schedule in Manhattan. It gives you quite a bit of time to do things besides, he said. Simmons added Manhattan has enough firefighters now that the department doesnt have to call in off-duty personnel. If they (ever) called me, and Im this far away, theres a couple blocks that are lit up somewhere, he said. (Abilene Reector-Chronicle, Abilene, Nov. 20, 2013; written by Tim Weideman.)
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22
Fire Chief Barthuly retires the white hat

As Ray Barthuly hangs up the fire chiefs white hat at the St. Marys Fire Department, there shall be no shortage of tales told about him among the firefighters For myself, it all began seven years ago. I found him among the Coke and Pepsi products at the temporary Gockels Thriftway shortly after the store itself had burned down. He was stocking the shelves when I first asked to join the department. What went through his mind as he looked down on a youngster in a suit jacket and a tie, I may never know. Perhaps he thought, Firefighting is dirty work. This kid will never cut it. Regardless, many of us whippersnappers on the force owe Barthuly a debt of gratitude. He, as Jim Keating and the other fire chiefs before him did, taught us everything he knows about firefighting. After 35 years as a firefighter and seven years as the fire chief, Ray Barthuly has turned in his resignation to the city commissioners. His wars with health complications have forced him, in the recent years, to take, reluctantly, a back seat. And yet, Barthuly said, the chiefs place is not to direct from the rear. And anyone who knows Ray knows that he is no backseat driver. For him to lead from the sidelines and not be involved, he said, isnt right. That isnt fair. The chief needs to be an active part. You know, Ive battled it long enough. Barthuly first became interested in the fire department when his dad had joined the department shortly after the Barthulys moved to town in 1965. Even though his father did not remain with the department long, the seed had been sown. Barthuly said it was probably the old fire-phone that first sparked his interest. At that time, each of the firefighters was given a white phone that would ring whenever the firefighters were being called into action. In addition to this, in his late high school days, when he worked across the street from the old city hall, at Buds Tire and Supplies, which most of St. Marys remembers as the Whistle Stop, Barthuly would watch the firefighters during their drills. The excitement started to tug at him. It was, however, not until he was almost 30 when he was the manager of the St. Marys Farmers Union Cooperative service center that he actually joined the department. The chief at the time, in 1979, was Floyd Wilcox, Barthuly said. And Floyd comes to me one day and asked me if I would be interestedI was at the next drill. I guess why I hadnt joined earlier, Barthuly said, is because nobody had ever asked me. From that moment, Barthuly threw himself into the fire department. Barthuly joined, he said, for two reasons: to share the camaraderie of the other firefighters and to help people. For Ray Barthuly, that second reason, which is really his first reason, was always the key to a good firefighter. Ive always been one that has wanted to help other people, Barthuly said. Thats the reason Ive always did it, to help somebody else. At the end of 2005, Jim Keating turned in the white hat of the fire chief. Barthuly, having served nearly 30 years as a firefighter, was well seasoned. And the city manager appointed him to the chiefs position. In 2006, he also became the full-time firefighter for the city. Barthuly did a great deal for the firefighters and for the department. As a firefighter, he had served over 15 years as president of the St. Marys Firefighters Relief Association. He had helped to purchase 24-hour life insurance for the firefighters as well as set up a fund to provide a little retirement subsidy for them. When he became chief, training became one of his key focuses. As a firefighter, he always held drills to be of the utmost importance, not only for saving lives from foolish mishaps but also to form good teamwork among the firefighters. Training was always a big thing for me, Barthuly said. Making the drills was important. I didnt want to get hurt and I didnt want anybody else to get hurt because I missed drill and didnt work as a team. It has been my goal that each firefighter knows what to do on an incident, fire, auto crash, etc., Barthuly said, Our training is repetitive for that reason. Each firefighter, when called on in an emergency, should know what needs done, be ready to do the task when directed. I have been very proud of our crews abilities to be prepared for any task. Along with training to keep the firefighters on task, he also spent a great deal of effort trying to acquire grants to provide equipment for the citys department. At this he was quite successful. In 2006, he acquired new pagers through a grant program. In 2007, the $81,000 grant covered new radios, including antennas and mobile repeaters. In 2009, the department was awarded $30,000 for new gear as well as for a $9,000 thermal imaging camera. In 2010, a grant paid 100 percent of a heating and air conditioning system for the station. While those things the firefighters truly appreciated, for Barthuly, one of the most rewarding duties of the chief was the fire prevention program. Barthuly loved going to the schools, teaching the children about the dangers of fire. And he enjoyed the response the firefighters would get after these visits. And then, he said, they would see us firefighters at the grocery store or on the street and say, hello. One of the signs of Barthulys efforts became visible this year. Due to the amount of time and diligence Barthuly and the other firefighters have given to fire department, the I.S.O. rating for fire protection in St. Marys went down from a level five to a four. The lower the number, the lower the fire insurance. And lower costs make many people happier. Regardless of what has been done and what still needs to be done, Barthuly said, the time has come to, as his predecessor did, turn over his white hat to a new chief. Dan Marstall, a veteran firefighter, has already been chosen to fill Barthulys shoes. But the decision has not been an easy one. Im not really ready to retire, Barthuly said, but it is in my best interest to do it. This is the only organization that Ive ever belonged to, Barthuly said. Other organizations have asked me to join, and I said, No, I will give it all to the fire department. And thatll be enough. And it was. (St. Marys Star, St. Marys, Dec. 18, 2013; written by Patrick Murtha.)
Fire always lit for retiring deputy chief

When Deputy Fire Chief Mike Miller walks out of the door of the command and training center Friday, hell be closing it on a more than 30-year career with the Hutchinson Fire Department. But he doesnt want any ceremony to go with his retirement. Its his time to go, he said, and by his count, hes been successful. While working as a firefighter, driver, captain or chief, he met his goal. I want to leave here knowing that everybody, when I was a commander, got to go home to their families. I really dont need any recognition, he said. Miller started at the Hutchinson Fire Department as a 20-year-old at the prodding of a former Hutchinson firefighter who served as a mentor to him. He didnt know what he wanted to do then - maybe serve as a park ranger or biologist - but he soon fell in love with the job; the excitement of the job, the camaraderie of the station and being able to help people made it easy to do, he said. When I first got in the job, I was so excited that I would come in to work for guys and not ask them to pay the time back. I was just so excited to be there, he said. His early years as a firefighter are still among his favorite. My fondest memories are responding on a truck with a crew, he said. Being on a truck, being on a crew and actually fighting a fire was the best. He remembers fighting a structure fire in 1987 in a gift shop with three other men. Unable to get through the doors and barred windows, and with debris falling from the ceiling, he was trapped inside. He and the crew were only able to escape by following the sound of the voice of a volunteer firefighter calling to them outside. Once free, he found his father who went to the scene to make sure his son was all right. Its a memory that shows the powerful fraternity involved in the profession, and one that still moves him today. Those are the kind of things that really make you appreciate the guys you work with. You may have a beef with someone in the station, but you dont want to see anything bad happen to them on the line. Two years after the fire at the gift shop, Miller got married and soon started a family - twin boys and a girl. His new life as a family man encouraged him to go for promotions. In 1989, he was promoted to a driver/engineer position, then captain in 1993 and battalion chief in 1997. In 2012, he was promoted to deputy fire chief - the second in command at the Hutchinson Fire Department. I wanted to do better for them, he said of his children. I was taking promotional jobs because we wanted them to have a good life. Before that, I was content to be a firefighter. Fire Chief Kim Forbes said Miller has been integral as deputy fire chief. Hes been instrumental in the new Hutchinson Community College fire science building set for construction on the campus at 3201 E. Fourth Ave. Hes formalized existing training procedures and expanded education in general. Perhaps most importantly, Forbes said, is that hes been the ideal supervisor for the troops. Hes the type of person who doesnt carry a grudge and someone troops can trust, Forbes said. He sees the vision to move forward. The word mentor came up repeatedly when talking about Miller with Hutchinson firefighters. Were losing a great leader, said Chief of Training Jason Holland. Hes a man who stands behind his firefighters. Im going to miss him. Hes been a good mentor and hes been someone I can talk to, said Fire Training Captain Tim Pitts. Pitts said Miller taught him the amount of bugles on a collar does not a career make, referring to the pins firefighters wear on their collars to demonstrate his or her rank. Battalion Fire Chief Doug Hanen, who served under Miller when he was battalion chief, said Miller was a true teacher. He would give you a task and expect you to do it. He would make you go the right path, he said. When Miller leaves Friday, a few months shy of what would have been his 34th year at the department, three promotions will open up, and interviews will be conducted in December. Thats not the only thing that will change. Margret Spellman, whos been with the department as an administrative assistant for more than 30 years, is also retiring Friday. Spellman did not want to be featured in this story; however, everyone The News spoke to stressed that her departure could not be understated. Forbes said Spellman has done the job of several people and said her loyalty and dedication to the department goes unmatched. Shes been a right-hand person and partner in running this fire department for a long time, Forbes said. The day-to-day goes smoothly because of her. Pitts, Holland and Hanen all described her as the de facto mother of the Hutchinson Fire Department. Margaret has always been there for us and taken care of us - every firefighter that has come through that door, Holland said. Battalion Fire Chief Rex Albright remembered Spellman coming out to fires and making sandwiches to ensure everyone stayed fed. She did that on her own and she by no means had to do it, but she did, he said. Shes the hub of the wheel, Miller said. A lot is going to be different after Friday and in the coming months. Miller said hes excited to see what happens. As for him, he said his plans include remodeling his kitchen, building a patio and seeing what else is out there. (Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Nov. 28, 2013; written by Kayla Regan.)
A note from the KSFFA Auxiliary Chaplain

First THANK YOU! To everyone that sent me names, pictures and information for the memorial service. Please continue to send any of the following information concerning the death of a firefighter, retired, off duty, or in the line of duty. NAME__________________________________________ FIRE DEPARTMENT______________________________ YEARS OF SERVICE______________________________ POSITION IN DEPARTMENT_______________________ DATE OF DEATH_________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH (if available)_______________________
If a picture of the deceased is available, and/or an address for the family, it would be very welcomed and used only for the memorial service and support the family. Again, thank you for any assistance you are able to offer. My e-mail address is dapitts@kcnet.com and my mailing address in Donna Pittaway, Auxiliary Chaplain, trustee, 2206 S. 29th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66106
Auxiliary Website Up and Running

The KSFFA Auxiliary has their website up and running. Make sure you check the site out at www.ksffaauxiliary.webs.com
Donated re truck completes journey to Zambia

It took one year, a hundred thousand bucks and a slow boat to Africa. Yes, it was that long ago when Colin Noble decided to buy a used fire truck auctioned off by the City of Manhattan - hoping to donate it to the people of Lusaka, Zambia. After several delays finding the right-sized fittings and all the accessories, the truck was finally ready to ship. On Aug. 12, the truck was hauled to Baltimore, MD, where it sat on the docks for two weeks, waiting for a ship capable of carrying it. Noble said that because the only way to take the truck by boat was to load it on the deck, it had to sit in port until the right ship came to call. He said the ship was supposed to go directly to Durbin, South Africa, but that didnt happen. Instead, the vessel headed to London, where the truck was offloaded and reloaded. Then the ship made several other calls to ports in Europe and around the coast of Africa before slowly making its way to Durbin. What should have only taken three weeks took more than six, Noble said. When the truck finally reached South Africa, the journey was only half over. Noble said Scott Fromme, a firefighter from Wichita, volunteered to travel with the truck from South Africa to Lusaka then train one of the firefighters to operate the truck and its equipment. So Fromme took two weeks of vacation and flew to the port But once there, the truck was delayed another two weeks because of trouble with the paperwork. After it was all sorted out, the truck finally began its trek on the back of a huge tractor-trailer to Lusaka. Fearing for the safety of the equipment, Noble arranged for the truck to travel around warraged Zimbabwe. So the longer route run through Botswana and across the great Zambezi River, where five countries converged near a little pontoon boat known as the Kazungula Ferry. Noble said the ferry had already flipped three times this year trying to haul other trucks across the massive river. He said once the ferry touched ground; the crew threw their hands up in joy. Noble said the truck arrived in Lusaka on Black Friday, Nov. 29. Fromme had a much more difficult time reaching Lusaka. He was not allowed to follow the truck as planned, and had to make it by bus. Noble said it took Fromme 43 hours and two buses to finish the trip. Bus service in Africa clearly is nothing like taking a Greyhound across the U.S. Noble said the bus pulled a covered trailer to carry baggage. The bus driver told Fromme to put his bag on the trailer and grab a seat inside. Then the driver loaded the trailer to capacity with bags and boxes from people traveling on the bus and plenty more who were just shipping things. Noble said that often, drivers will take bags and boxes to stops along the route for the right price. As for other passengers on the bus, they boarded with large bags and boxes, including one woman who brought a flat-screen TV that took up most of the aisle. Crammed onto the bus loaded with boxes, packages and people, Fromme finally began his jour-
23
Scott Fromme (right) stands with the reghters of the Lusaka Fire Station with the new re truck that just arrived. The crates on top of the truck carried all the equipment Fromme trained them to use. Robert Banda (center back) is wearing the black shirt with a Lusaka re badge pinned on his chest. Photo courtesy of Colin Noble.
ney. Noble said the bus also had no bathrooms, food or water for the passengers. Even when the bus stopped for gas, most of the places didnt have bathrooms and the people would just hustle behind a building. Also, Noble said the bus frequently stopped for elephant herds crossing the road, which is a common occurrence in Africa. Noble said he made sure Fromme had all the necessary paperwork to get from Durbin to Lusaka, but that didnt stop one border guard from demanding $30 from Fromme just to enter a country. After the truck arrived, Fromme spent three days training Robert Banda, chief of operations at the Lusaka station, on how to use all the equipment. Finally, after spending almost four weeks in Africa, Fromme returned home to Wichita. Fromme might be exhausted and Noble weary from the entire experience...but Lusaka now is ready to fight a fire. It has been like putting a man on the moon, Noble said. It really stretched us, but at the end of the day, a wonderful thing has happened. (Manhattan Mercury, Manhattan, Dec. 8, 2013; written by Corene Brisendine.)
A worker stands next to the semi making sure the truck successfully leaves the Kazungula Ferry that crosses the 400-meter wide Zambezi River. Photo courtesy of Colin Noble.
Once the ferry touched ground; a crewmember threw his hands up in joy. Photo courtesy of Colin Noble.
The ferry crossed the river where four countries converge. It starts in Botswana and ends in Zambia. Namibia and Zimbabwe border Botswana. Photo courtesy of Colin Noble.
The truck arrived in Lusaka on Black Friday, Nov. 29.
24
Larry Ellis presented with Fire Chief of the Year award Sherman Township Fire Dept. celebrates retirees
Stuart Sweeney struggled to hold back tears Saturday as he stood outside the newly named Stuart W. Sweeney building at the Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department. Sweeney, celebrating his retirement after 32 years of service, held his grandson in his arms and stood next to his 18-year-old son Jacob Sweeney, who recently joined the fire department. Stuart Sweeney and his fellow retiree Rob Leach, who is leaving the department after 35 years, celebrated in a joint retirement ceremony among family and friends. The most important thing I take away from all of this is the friendships, Sweeney said after being handed a commemorative plaque and a silver ax. Sherman Township Fire Department Chief Dan Tallman said goodbye to the men in an emotional ceremony after a final farewell call broadcast throughout Leavenworth County via radio. The dispatcher was heard over Tallmans radio saying, You will be missed, for both Sweeney and Leach. These men are part of the reason why weve come so far, Tallman said. Sweeney, who works for Union Pacific in Bonner Springs, was also a 20-year member of the Sherman Township Board of Trustees and played a key role in building Station 1 off 174th Street. And Saturday, he was able to see the unveiling of his name on the front of the building. Sweeney said that he was just one of several people who made the new building a reality. Sweeney not only pushed to expand the department but also pushed the department to emphasize medical training so volunteers could be better equipped to save a life when they arrive at a scene. Thats one thing I am very proud of, to see how everyone here has taken that on, Sweeney said. Leach said his medical training changed his life forever. When I started out, I just wanted to help my friends and neighbors, but it turned into so much more, Leach said. Its the single most significant thing Ive ever done.
Comanche County Fire Chief Larry Ellis was awarded the Kansas Fire Chief of the Year award at the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference in Hutchinson by KSAFC President Robert McLemore, re chief of Colby. (Western Star, Coldwater, Oct. 31, 2013.)
Leach, who joined the department in 1978, was able to pursue a career in firefighting and will continue to do so at the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department. Leach has worked there for 15 years. Leach recalled his early days at Sherman Township Fire Department. He said the department back then would fight a brush fire with 50-gallon buckets and sacks and volunteers drove to fires in their own pickups, or a1950s-era Jeep Willy they had as a department. We used to think that was the coolest thing back then, Leach laughed. The township fire department, with the departure of Sweeney and Leach, now has 18 volunteers. Tallman is consoled about Stuart Sweeneys departure by the arrival of his son. At least Stuart gave us a son I wont say in place of him, but well take him, Tallman said. It takes young people to keep this place going. (Chieftain, Bonner Springs, Nov. 27, 2013; written by Nico Roesler.)
555
Earl Anderson, Chief (Retired), Greensburg and Kiowa County Fire Department, July 27, 2013. David C. Greidanus, St. Marys Fire Department, Nov. 6, 2013. Wilford E. Johnson, Alden Fire Department, Nov. 14, 2013. Jack Leslie Warwick, Barber County Rural Fire Department, (Past President, Barber County Fire District), Nov. 16, 2013. Lawrence A. Schulte, Jr., Chief (Retired), Maple Hill Fire Department, Nov. 18, 2013. Dwaine Esau, Walton Fire Department, Nov. 26, 2013. Bobbie L. Babb, Marysville Fire Department, Nov. 27, 2013. Stella L. Parker, Past President Kansas State Firefighters Auxiliary, Dec. 7, 2013. Floyd Harold Cosens, Fire Chief (Retired) Prescott Fire Department, Dec. 8, 2013. Gerald Edward Offutt, LaCrosse Fire Department, Dec.8, 2013. Leroy Bud Cowing, Clay Center Fire Department, Dec. 14, 2013. Clyde Jerome Hagman, Stephens County Fire Department, Dec, 15, 2013. Ernie Trainer, White Cloud Fire Department, Dec. 22, 2013. Joe Schweiger, Fire Chief (Retired), Cutler Township Fire Department, Jan. 1, 2014. LaVona Engdahl, Marquette Fire Department, Jan. 1, 2014.
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