Kansas Firefighters Museum

10/20/2026

The Prayer was written Wichita Firefighter A.W. Smokey Linn
The Fireman’s Prayer Returns to Sony Pictures Studios for Its Final Recording Session on October 29, 2026

"For nearly twenty years, this composition has been my way of expressing gratitude to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others”— Charles-Henri Avelange
Nearly 20 years in the making, Charles-Henri Avelange’s symphonic tribute to America’s firefighters will reach its final recording milestone on October 29 with the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums Corps. After nearly two decades of creation and dedication, The Fireman’s Prayer is preparing to record its final notes.

On October 29 at 1:00 p.m., award-winning French-American composer Charles-Henri Avelange will return to the legendary Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures Studios for the final recording session of his symphonic tribute to America’s firefighters and first responders.

The session will feature the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums Corps, whose bagpipe performances will complete a recording journey that reached a major milestone on July 14, 2026, when The Fireman’s Prayer was recorded at Sony Pictures Studios with the 90-piece Hollywood Scoring Orchestra, conducted by Grant Gershon, following earlier recording sessions with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.

A Final Recording With the Firefighting Community at Its Heart

"For nearly twenty years, this composition has been my way of expressing gratitude to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others," said composer Charles-Henri Avelange.

"Recording The Fireman's Prayer at Sony Pictures Studios, surrounded by members of the firefighting community, made this one of the most meaningful moments of my career. I hope this music reminds firefighters that their courage, sacrifice, and service will never be forgotten."

The October 29 session will once again bring the music and firefighting communities together, with Deputy Chief Lawrence Collins (Cal OES), John Stockman (IAFF 7th District Benevolent Fund), California Fire Foundation President Darrell Roberts, and California Fire Foundation Director Kara Haynes among those expected to attend.

Inspired by the 1957 poem written by firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn, Avelange has independently funded The Fireman's Prayer in partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Museum Association throughout its nearly 20-year journey. Its mission has taken on even greater significance following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

After post-production, the work is expected to be released on major streaming platforms. The composer will donate 100% of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations supporting firefighters and their families.

"This project is much more than a musical composition," said Deputy Chief Lawrence Collins. "It is a heartfelt tribute that recognizes the extraordinary commitment of firefighters and the sacrifices they make every day on behalf of our communities."

"Music has a unique ability to preserve memories and unite people," added John Stockman of the IAFF 7th District Benevolent Fund. "Projects like The Fireman's Prayer ensure that future generations will continue to recognize and appreciate the service and dedication of firefighters."

California Professional Firefighters Bagpipes & Drums Corps
Photo Credit: ©️2026 California Fire Foundation | Slava Pedan

Those wishing to support The Fireman's Prayer and help expand the reach of this historic tribute to America's firefighters are invited to press this link:

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountyFireMuseum/ Twitter@LACoFireMuseum

10/18/2026

You are cordially invited to attend the 39th Annual Girard Fire Department Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Sunday October 18th at 2.P.M. The service will be held at the Girard Fire Department 116 North Ozark Street.

This year's Roll of Honor will include 204 of our nations firefighters whose names were added to the National Memorial in Emittsburg, Maryland. We will also honor the 21 Southeast Kansas firefighters whose names are on the Southeast Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the Girard Fire Department Memorial Grounds.

10/18/2026

The Kansas Firefighters Museum extends its deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the victims and families affected by today’s tragedy at the Stryker Sports Complex.

We are grateful to the many first responders and agencies who responded swiftly and professionally. Their ability to work together, coordinate their efforts, and respond during such a difficult incident reflects the dedication and commitment of those who serve our communities.

Our thoughts remain with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all those who answered the call to help when it mattered most.

Our hearts are with the Stryker Sports Complex community during this difficult time.

10/16/2026

10/13/2026

Please be advised that the Kansas Firefighters Museum will be closed on Saturday, October 17, for the screening of "Fighting More Than Fire" at the Tallgrass Film Festival.

If you are able to attend, the screening will take place at the Boulevard OldTown theater at the following times:

- Friday, October 16 at 11:45 AM
- Saturday, October 17 at 5:15 PM

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you can join us at the festival

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

Foundation is adding granite structures to make room for missing names >> https://www.kplctv.com/2026/10/06/louisiana-fallen-firefighter-memorial-expand-wall-runs-out-space/

10/07/2026

FROM THE CITY OF ROSEHILL
The City of Rose Hill extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated firefighters who serve Butler County Fire District #3. With Fire Station #1 located at 911 N. Rose Hill Road and Fire Station #2 at 12484 SW 160th St., the Fire District serves the City of Rose Hill and the surrounding Pleasant and Richland Townships.

Station #1 is staffed by full-time career and part-time firefighters who provide 24-hour coverage to the Fire District. Department members also actively engage with the community through fire prevention and public education activities, community events, participation in the Rose Hill 9/11 Memorial Committee, and by making the station’s training room available for community organizations and groups to hold meetings and other activities.
In addition to its full-time and part-time staff, Butler County Fire District #3 is fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteer firefighters who provide additional personnel for emergency responses, training, and other department activities.

Together, the District’s career, part-time, and volunteer firefighters are committed to providing professional and dependable emergency services to the citizens and communities they serve.

The Fire District operates a range of specialized fire and rescue apparatus, including an aerial truck, fire engines, water tenders, brush trucks, rescue vehicles, and other equipment necessary to respond to the wide variety of emergencies encountered throughout the District.

Butler County Fire District #3 also partners with Butler County EMS by providing an ambulance bay and on-site living quarters for a full-time EMS crew at Station #1. The facility serves as Butler County EMS Station #5, enhancing emergency medical coverage and response capabilities within the Fire District and surrounding area.

Mutual cooperation with neighboring fire departments is another important part of providing emergency services. Butler County Fire District #3 has automatic aid agreements with Andover Fire-Rescue to the north, Butler County Fire District #8 (Douglass) to the east, and Sedgwick County Fire District #1 to the west. These agreements allow departments to automatically provide additional personnel and equipment to one another when needed, helping ensure an appropriate response regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

Rose Hill is fortunate to have a well-staffed, professional fire service supported by committed volunteer firefighters. Working alongside neighboring fire and EMS agencies, they provide strong fire protection, emergency response, and additional resources during major incidents and disasters.

The City of Rose Hill expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all of Butler County Fire District #3’s career, part-time, and volunteer firefighters for their continued courage, service, and commitment to our community. Visit the Fire District’s website at

Home Welcome to Butler County Fire District #3 Butler County Fire District #3 is a combination fire department proudly serving the City of Rose Hill and surrounding areas of southwest Butler County. Fire Station #1 is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a combination of career, part-time, and...