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FIREWIRE
Vol. 45 - No. 6 February/March, 2014
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.
Please send all corrections to: Kansas State Fireghters Association Steve Hirsch, Secretary P.O. Box 296 Oberlin, KS 67749 Ph. 785-475-2296
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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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.
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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It takes in-depth comprehension of the complex It takes in-depth comprehension of the complex Kansas Fireghters Act. With more than 20 years It takesRelief in-depth comprehension of the complex Kansas Fireghters Relief Act. With than 20 years experience as a nancial advisor for reghters, am more Kansas Relief Act.I With more than 20 years I Fireghters know reghters. experience as of a FRA. nancial advisor for reghters, I am well-versed in the nuances And my 16 years as a experience as a nancial advisor for reghters, I am I know FRA benets. in the nuances of FRA. And my 16 years as a reghter well-versed provides an appreciation for the insight well-versed in the nuances of FRA. And my 16 years as a into the lives and special needs ofan reghters. reghter provides appreciation for the insight
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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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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
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
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
See the
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...
Hirsch
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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.)
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
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Membership Application
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
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.
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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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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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.
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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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.
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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.)
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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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