Kansas Firefighters Museum

Kansas Firefighters Museum Official State Firefighter's Museum welcomes you to our new page! Email: kansasfirefighters
(91)

The Kansas Firefighters Museum will be closed on September 2 Labor Day weekend.

09/26/2023
Bryon JohnsonSedgwick County Fire Department - September 24, 2007The fire department communications center received seve...
09/24/2023

Bryon Johnson
Sedgwick County Fire Department - September 24, 2007
The fire department communications center received several calls reporting a brush fire that may have been caused by downed power lines. Squad 34, under the command of Lieutenant Johnson, When the unit arrived on the scene, power lines were visible in the street. Firefighters advanced a handline and began to control the fire. In order to access a portion of the fire, the apparatus had to be backed up. Lieutenant Johnson advanced the hose line and his engineer drove the apparatus. The 2 firefighters communicated by hand signal. Lieutenant Johnson was hitting hot spots with the handline. His engineer viewed him in the rear view mirror. The engineer saw Lieutenant Johnson stiffen and fall. The engineer stopped the apparatus, got out, and found Lieutenant Johnson on his back. The engineer recognized the presence of an energized power line. With some difficulty, the engineer pulled Lieutenant Johnson away from the hazard. The engineer called to another firefighter that had just arrived on the scene for help. The firefighter reported the incident, ordered the dispatch of an ambulance, and requested a command officer and additional firefighters. Lieutenant Johnson was transported to the hospital but did not survive. The cause of death was listed as electrocution. The fallen power line that caused the grass fire was the result of a pole being struck by a truck making a u-turn.
Age: 32

Edwin E. KingReno County Fire District  #7 - September 21, 2005Chief King was driving a brush truck in response to a con...
09/21/2023

Edwin E. King
Reno County Fire District #7 - September 21, 2005
Chief King was driving a brush truck in response to a controlled burn that had become uncontained. Conditions were smoky, and the dirt road that Chief King was driving on was only 20 feet wide. Chief King's brush truck collided head-on with his department's tanker (tender) as it responded to the same incident. Chief King was pronounced dead at the scene; the driver of the tanker was not injured.
Age: 55

09/17/2023
Open ICT Street the Kansas Firefighters Museum is at
09/17/2023

Open ICT Street the Kansas Firefighters Museum is at

Raymond HazukaWakeeney Fire Department - September 16, 1991Firefighter Hazuka suffered from a heart attack while operati...
09/16/2023

Raymond Hazuka
Wakeeney Fire Department - September 16, 1991
Firefighter Hazuka suffered from a heart attack while operating at house fire.
Age: 54

09/14/2023
09/14/2023

Reminder that deadline to sign up for Pickleball Tournament is this Friday. Email your teams to Kelly Zane. No money due at sign up. Pay the day of play


Play will be “doubles”, made up only of WFRA Members (active and retired). The dates of the opening rounds of the tournament will be October 25, 26, and 27, (7 p.m.), at the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center, 551 Nims. In the event of a conflict with assigned duty schedule, it will be the responsibility of the player to make proper arrangements. The format of the tournament will be either round-robin or pool play, depending on the number of teams. The championship rounds of the tournament are currently being planned for Chicken & Pickle, and those dates will be forthcoming. Cost to the participants to play in the tournament is $20 per team/$10 per player.



When you have your team decided, one person from the team needs to submit an email listing your team members and their duty shift assignments to Capt. Kelly Zane at [email protected] no later than Friday, September 15 at 1700 hours.

Lenexa Fire Department Lieutenant Michael Wells September 14, 2019, passed away after a courageous battle with esophagea...
09/14/2023

Lenexa Fire Department
Lieutenant Michael Wells September 14, 2019, passed away after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

09/12/2023
09/12/2023

September is Firefighter Appreciation Month. This circa 1897 photo shows the Seneca Fire Department posing with their equipment in front of the firehouse. Firefighting in America can be traced back to the 17th century when firefighters had to rely on using the “bucket brigade” approach (passing buckets from one person to another). For decades firefighters were volunteers, and while there are still volunteers, firefighting didn’t become a profession until the mid-19th century. Uniforms, apparatus, and changes in firefighting strategies have evolved over the years for safety and quicker response times. However, firefighting still remains a dangerous job, yet a time-honored tradition.

The Showers from this morning couldn't deter the 2023 Patriot Day ceremony at the KFFM! Thanks to Hamilton Middle School...
09/11/2023

The Showers from this morning couldn't deter the 2023 Patriot Day ceremony at the KFFM! Thanks to Hamilton Middle School Madrigals & JROTC for posting colors! IAFF135 Honor Guard & the Wichita Fire Department.

09/08/2023
09/08/2023

The Annual Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial will be Sunday October 1st at 1:30pm.

Chief Jean R. Charles Altamont/Mt.Pleasant Fire Department .September 7, 1985 Chief Jean R. Charles responded to a grass...
09/07/2023

Chief Jean R. Charles
Altamont/Mt.Pleasant Fire Department .
September 7, 1985 Chief Jean R. Charles responded to a grass fire along highway 59, with the fire being in the west ditch Chief Charles parked the fire engine along the southbound lane. Thick smoke was drifting across the highway. The Altamont Police Chief drove north to stop traffic. A southbound milk truck failed to stop and drove through the smoke hitting a northbound car and then struck the parked fire truck causing it to rollover on top of Chief Charles. The impact killed the driver of the car and Chief Jean R. Charles.

The Kansas Firefighters Museum  like to say Congratulations Emporia Fire Department for the first 150 years and the next...
09/07/2023

The Kansas Firefighters Museum like to say Congratulations Emporia Fire Department for the first 150 years and the next!

09/06/2023
September 6, 1990 - LODDFirefighter Todd David Colton, 25Sedgewick County Fire Department. Wichita, KansasFirefighter Co...
09/06/2023

September 6, 1990 - LODD
Firefighter Todd David Colton, 25
Sedgewick County Fire Department. Wichita, Kansas
Firefighter Colton and several other firefighters were fighting a brush fire. At approximately 4:03pm, Colton was found collapsed on a car wheel and tire near a barbed wire fence. The fire was on the other side of the fence. It was determined that Firefighter Colton died of a heat stroke. The firefighters were wearing 40-50lbs of equipment and operating in 94 degree temperatures with high humidity.

Chief Larry W. SuiterLorraine Fire Department - September 4, 2010Chief Suiter responded to an anhydrous ammonia leak at ...
09/04/2023

Chief Larry W. Suiter
Lorraine Fire Department - September 4, 2010
Chief Suiter responded to an anhydrous ammonia leak at a local grain elevator on the evening of September 3, 2010. He died at his home in the early hours of September 4, 2010, of an apparent heart attack.
Age: 66

Forest RabonKansas City Kansas Fire Department - August 28, 1938Firefighter Rabon responded to a fire alarm at the Goldm...
08/28/2023

Forest Rabon
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department - August 28, 1938
Firefighter Rabon responded to a fire alarm at the Goldman Jewelry Store a 646 Minnesota ave. Twelve firefighters were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation. Firefighter Rabon died two days later from a heart attack at home.

Cordell FrenchTowanda Fire Department - August 28, 2004Firefighter French and the members of his fire department partici...
08/28/2023

Cordell French
Towanda Fire Department - August 28, 2004
Firefighter French and the members of his fire department participated in a drill involving hose line usage, map training, and vehicle maintenance. The drill was completed at approximately 1600 hrs. Firefighter French returned home and suffered a heart attack at approximately 2000 hrs. Fellow firefighters responded and provided treatment for Firefighter French. Despite their efforts, Firefighter French was pronounced dead at 2130 hrs as the result of a heart attack.
Age: 44

08/23/2023

Reminder that our Mountain Oyster Feed and Silent Auction is approaching on Sept. 16. Like and follow our page so you don't miss out on any updates. We will be posting a series showcasing items available at the Silent Auction that evening. Funds go to equipment and new Facility. Make plans to attend because we always have a really good time.

08/23/2023

4 new items · Memory by David Wilson

08/16/2023
2021Joshua SchwindtJosh Schwindt Rolla Volunteer Fire Department August 15, 2021 Firefighter Joshua Schwindt responded t...
08/16/2023

2021
Joshua Schwindt
Josh Schwindt Rolla Volunteer Fire Department August 15, 2021 Firefighter Joshua Schwindt responded to a vehicle rollover accident. While searching for victims, he came in contact with downed power lines and was electrocuted. Emergency responders at the scene immediately performed CPR. Firefighter Schwindt was rushed to Morton County Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Anthony "Tony" CoxTopeka Fire Department August 13, 2007Captain Cox and other firefighters were working on the scene of ...
08/13/2023

Anthony "Tony" Cox
Topeka Fire Department
August 13, 2007
Captain Cox and other firefighters were working on the scene of a 2-story apartment building fire.
Captain Cox collapsed after leaving the building to rehab. His death was caused by a Heart Attack.

70 years ago (1953):*work started today on tearing down the old Number 5 fire station at 2nd & Hillside to make way for ...
08/11/2023

70 years ago (1953):
*work started today on tearing down the old Number 5 fire station at 2nd & Hillside to make way for building a new fire station at that location. Razing of the old building should be completed this week.

Andy McDonaldKansas City Kansas Fire Department - August 10, 1896While responding to a call he did not see a pile of sto...
08/10/2023

Andy McDonald
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department - August 10, 1896
While responding to a call he did not see a pile of stones in the middle of the road because of the poor lighting. The horse drawn apparatus was driven into the pile and he was trampled by the horses.

1936Walter Laverick Kansas City Kansas Fire Department-August 8, 1936Captain Walter Laverick became trapped in a hollow,...
08/10/2023

1936
Walter Laverick
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department-August 8, 1936
Captain Walter Laverick became trapped in a hollow, while fighting a brush fire and was overcome by smoke and flames.

Happiest 79th Birthday to Smokey Bear! The Wichita Fire Department public education division used the Smokey Costume tha...
08/09/2023

Happiest 79th Birthday to Smokey Bear! The Wichita Fire Department public education division used the Smokey Costume that we have on display 70s thru the 80s, did you know there is a do and don't how to wear the costume! We have this on display also.

1985Leland F. JonesEdwardsville Fire Department - August 7, 1985
08/07/2023

1985
Leland F. Jones
Edwardsville Fire Department - August 7, 1985

Bruce SternbergerHardtner/Elwood Fire Department - June 10, 2005Incident Description: Firefighter Sternberger and the me...
06/10/2023

Bruce Sternberger
Hardtner/Elwood Fire Department - June 10, 2005
Incident Description: Firefighter Sternberger and the members of his fire department fought a 260-acre fire in wheat fields. That night, a lightning strike occurred near his home, causing a power outage and starting a wildfire. Firefighter Sternberger called the fire department to report the fire and then went outside to begin fighting the fire. Firefighters believe that Firefighter Sternberger left his home and almost immediately came into contact with an energized power line. After not hearing from him for a while, Firefighter Sternberger's wife called the fire department for assistance. Firefighter Sternberger's body was discovered a short time later.
Age: 56

06/08/2023
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department June 8 1992After fighting a fire at 2818 N. Allis , Capt.Wayne E. Walker returned to ...
06/08/2023

Kansas City Kansas Fire Department June 8 1992
After fighting a fire at 2818 N. Allis , Capt.Wayne E. Walker returned to
Station 5. While doing his report , he came into the kitchen and reported to his crew that he was suffering chest pains. He was transported to Bethany Hospital where he underwent heart surgery. He did not recover/

June 2, 1965 - LODDFirefighter Gary Lee Barrow, 24Wichita Fire Department, Kansas Lost life from an explosion and fire a...
06/02/2023

June 2, 1965 - LODD
Firefighter Gary Lee Barrow, 24
Wichita Fire Department, Kansas
Lost life from an explosion and fire at the Red Bud Supermarket at Grove and 21st Street.

We like to thank  and  for making the KFFM the monetary recipient of this limited edition custom WFD shirt.
05/31/2023

We like to thank and for making the KFFM the monetary recipient of this limited edition custom WFD shirt.

Lyndell Joe SmithCaldwell Volunteer Fire Department - May 31, 2000Firefighter Smith was a passenger in a 1984 Jeep CJ7 c...
05/31/2023

Lyndell Joe Smith
Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department - May 31, 2000
Firefighter Smith was a passenger in a 1984 Jeep CJ7 command vehicle. The truck was equipped with extrication equipment and was responding with lights and siren in operation to a vehicle rollover with reports of serious injuries. Firefighter Smith was riding the hump between the driver and the front seat passenger. None of the truck’s occupants were wearing seat belts. As the command vehicle overtook and passed a passenger car on the left side, the car turned into the command vehicle, striking it at the right rear tire. The command vehicle skidded across traffic, entered a ditch, overturned in a wheat field, and caught fire. All three occupants of the command vehicle were ejected. Firefighter Smith received fatal injuries, and the other occupants of the command vehicle received serious injuries. No autopsy was performed but the cause of death for Firefighter Smith was listed as closed head and chest trauma with exsanguination from mortal axillary wounds (blood loss). No extrication was required at the scene of the original rollover call.
Age: 46

Address

1300 S Broadway Street
Wichita, KS
67211

Opening Hours

11am - 3pm

Telephone

(316) 264-5990

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kansas Firefighters Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Kansas Firefighters Museum:

Videos

Share

Category


Comments

Took a tour of firefighter museum in Wichita. It's a must see!!! Perfect for a spring break vaca
Special shout out to Nick Mendoza for an amazing tour. 🚒🔥
Freshmen law and sophomore fire students visited the Kansas Firefighters Museum.
Good job today
Thank you, Governor Laura Kelly, for this honor on National Fallen Firefighters Day, Oct. 3, 2021! Johnny Ivison, Jr., Joshua Schwindt and Michael Baker all made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities in Kansas this past year. Please take a moment on Sunday to remember them, as well as the countless other firefighters who have given their lives for the protection of others. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Kansas Firefighters Museum

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/2f56024
We are so thankful for the firefighters that keep us safe at station 16 and the tour that we received at the Kansas Firefighters Museum today! What an amazing experience to stand next to a fire truck used today and a fire truck that was used in the 1920s!
In case you missed the 9/11 exhibit we had at the museum from May 26th to June 11th here is a video for you. If you want to see it on full display and in person, it's destination is Fort Worth, TX. at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History June 18th - July 4th.

Happy to have members of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club visit the museum today!!!
Thank you to KAKE-TV for coming to visit and covering the story of Daan van der Steijn’s replica.

Hours of the museum are open to the public Tues-Saturday from 1-7pm until June 11th. You can also arrange private tours. Parking is across the street and it is free admission.

🇺🇸🇳🇱

Kansas Firefighters Museum
The Wichita Fire Department and City of Wichita- Government elected officials are participating in an honor walk ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11 on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the Kansas Firefighters Museum (1300 South Broadway).

The focus of the one hour program and walk is to remember and honor the 9/11 fallen and local veterans and first responders in the state. The Museum will also unveil the Honor365 9/11 Exhibit, including the World Trade Center replica built by Daan van der Steijn, which will be on display from May 26 - June 11, 2021.
Kansas area keep a lookout! Kansas Firefighters Museum
The items from the Kansas Firefighters Museum in Wichita, which included antique extinguishers, nozzles and sprinkler heads, were in a storage area that was burglarized.
A look inside the Kansas Firefighters Museum located right here in Wichita!
#}