Wichita Fire Department

WFD Friday Recap: 8/23-8/30

The Wichita Fire Department responded to 1,301 calls for service this last week, including many alarms of significance.
Fire companies in the downtown area responded to a garage fire on Friday, making a quick stop and limiting fire damage. Two days later, companies also responded to a fire in a downtown building; the working fire sprinkler system helped to contain fire spread and limit damage. Sunday night, WFD units responded to Bel Aire as automatic aid to assist with a reported house on fire. Units from Sedgwick County FD arrived first to a working fire in a residence; WFD Truck 5 members quickly locating and removing one patient from the structure. Another reported house on fire on Tuesday, again on the Northeast side of town; this fire being small, was contained quickly in the kitchen area. Finally, companies from Firehouse #4 arrived first to a house on fire in the southwest part town working quickly to extinguish the blaze while other crews performed searches to ensure everyone was out. Coupled with the numerous fires, crews have also responded to many significant vehicle accidents and other calls for service.

In addition to the alarm load, Wichita Fire Department crews have also been assisting in proactive community safety measures. Companies from WFD assisted with the Air show at McConnell, stood by for several fireworks events, participated in community outreach events, and even gave some lucky winners a ride to school on a fire truck!!

BREAKING: Emergency crews are on the scene of this crash near Mt. Vernon and Webb Road. One person has critical injuries, another is in serious condition, and two other people have minor to no injuries.

We hope you'll join us on Saturday, October 19th!

The First Responders 5K Run & Walk Foundation is a locally created and registered non-profit organization, operated by a Board of Directors comprised of First Responders and community members.

The Foundation's mission and goals are to organize and host an Annual First Responders 5k Run/Walk and Community Day, along with other various community-oriented fund-raising endeavors.
The annual event intends to raise financial support and to partner with local first responder agencies & non-profits to support their mission. These goals are accomplished by providing donations received during the fund-raising events to help support other non-profit organizations to minimize financial burdens, critical to the operation of those organizations.

They are currently doing a Labor Day sale for $5.00 off the 5K, bringing it down to $30.00. Plus 25% off for First Responders, Military, Teachers, Nurses, and City Staff.

WFD’s E4 recently responded to a medical call in south-central Wichita. The patient needed to go to the hospital, but he was worried about what would happen to his new puppy, Rosco! After a few phone calls, members were able to locate a friend who could care for Rosco while his owner received treatment. E4 crew transported the puppy with some snacks for his overnight stay.

Our prayers go out to the Arkansas City, KS Fire/EMS Department, and Trevor's family. Rest in peace, sir.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our own.

Today, we mourn the loss of Trevor Rusk, a beloved EMT/Firefighter who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community. His courage, selflessness, and commitment to keeping us safe will never be forgotten.

During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Trevor’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Please join us in honoring Trevor's legacy and keeping his loved ones in your thoughts.

Thank you to the House of Schwan for the donation to the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation!

A little after 10:00 AM today the Wichita Fire Department was dispatched to an unknown traffic accident at 800 E Waterman. The call was stating a cement mixer was wedged under the Waterman Street bridge and the Battalion Chief advised Emergency Communications to notify the railroad and stop all train traffic in the area.

Upon arrival a cement truck half-full of cement was wedged under the bridge. The force of the impact had broken the large mixer loose from the truck and sheared off all the motor mounts rendering any normal operation of the truck out of service. Battalion Chief 1 and the Captain of Rescue Company 1 assessed the situation and determined the structural integrity of the bridge was still intact and good. After a comprehensive size-up it was determined a controlled removal of the cement truck as not to damage the bridge structure any further.

After approximately and hour and a half of work the cement mixer was successfully removed from the bridge. The scene was then turned over to the Wichita Police Department and Public Works for clean-up.

No firefighters or civilians were injured at this incident.

At 9:20 A.M. today, the Wichita Fire Department was dispatched to a reported submersion in a neighborhood retention pond in the area of Maple and Maize. The calling party was an off-duty Sedgwick County EMS Medic and advised there was a body in the pond.

Engine Company 17 arrived on the scene and was met by the calling party who showed them the best access to the body of water. Engine 17 and Truck 4 located the victim approximately 25 feet from the edge. Unfortunately, the victim was already deceased.

The scene was then turned over to the Wichita Police Department.

Firefighter Raney thank you for your service to the Wichita community. And as always, Wichita Police and Fire Foundation, thank you for your spotlight on Wichita's Bravest!

The Wichita Police & Fire Foundation would like for you to say HELLO and a big THANK YOU to Firefighter Raney from the Wichita Fire Department. Firefighter Raney has been with the Wichita Fire Department for 14 years and is currently assigned to Station 19.

We asked FF Raney the following questions:
💥💥What do you find most rewarding about your job?
First of all, it’s great to be able and get out everyday while making calls and seeing the fruits of your labor. There are a lot of things that as a firefighter, we get to do for people, which makes a big difference.

💥💥If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or visit the future?
I would go back in time. I have a nostalgia for the past. It seems that life was a lot simpler.

Thank you for the shout out Wichita Police and Fire Foundation! Meet Firefighter Pritchett.

The Wichita Police & Fire Foundation would like for you to say HELLO and a big THANK YOU to Firefighter Pritchett from the Wichita Fire Department. FF Pritchett has been with the Wichita Fire Department for 11 years and is currently assigned to Station 10.
We asked FF Pritchett the following questions.
What's your favorite thing about your job?
➡️➡️ I like that every day is different. You never know what kind of 911 call you might get.
What's your favorite hobby?
➡️➡️ Fishing with my kids is my favorite hobby. We have a pond behind our house that we go to just about every night.🎣🐠

Today, our brother Firefighter Voth will be laid to rest. Prayers for his family, and his fire service family are greatly appreciated. We will be streaming his service live this morning at 10 am. If you wish to line the route from the Park City Arena to his final resting place, his final drive is below. Thank you again for all the continued support. And thank you for your service and sacrifice #1348. Rest in peace, we will take it from here. 🚨

Shortly after 0715 this morning, fire companies from Sedgwick County Fire District 1, Wichita, and Derby were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 7100 block of South Volutsia. Firehouse 34 was the first to arrive and report fire and heavy smoke conditions throughout the structure. The fire was extinguished and the primary search was “all clear”. Despite the efforts of firefighters, one male occupant was pronounced deceased and two other occupants were transported to a local hospital. The fire is under investigation.

Thank you to all of our local and national outlets continuing to cover our fallen firefighter's story. You have all been gracious & respectful. Please see the family's wishes below for the upcoming services.

Below are the links for Firefighter Voth's obituary and for those who have asked, direct links to the memorials established in his honor. On behalf of the Voth and WFD family, we can't thank you enough for the outpouring of love and support.


https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wichita-ks/ty-voth-11925821

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/wichita-police-foundation/

https://unionly.io/o/wichita-firefighters-charitable-fund/wichita-firefighters-charitable-fund-donation

KSN TV KWCH 12 News City of Wichita- Government KAKE News Newton Fire/EMS Manhattan Fire Department Kansas State Fire Fighters Association National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Firehouse.com

Wichita Fire Department & IAFF Local 135 Mourn the Loss of Firefighter Ty Voth. Thank you to our community and everyone nationwide for your prayers, condolences, and unwavering support.

Manhattan Fire Department Newton Fire/EMS Kansas State Fire Fighters Association Kansas Firefighters Museum Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Derby Fire and Rescue Wichita Police and Fire Foundation Kansas State Fire Marshal Office City of Wichita- Government KWCH 12 News KSN TV KAKE News Wichita Firefighters Relief Association Wichita Firefighters - IAFF LOCAL 135

UPDATE/ANNOUNCEMENT

A public viewing for Fallen Firefighter Ty Voth will be held on Friday, August 9th at 9 a.m., at Park City Arena (formerly Hartman Arena), Park City, Kansas.

Funeral services immediately following, starting at 10 a.m.

Those asking about a memorial and where to send donations, information is pending.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Fire crews on scene of a building fire. First arriving companies, Engine 4 and Rescue 1 reported fire showing from a 2-story motel. A 2nd alarm was requested due to the life hazards and heat conditions. Fire crews were able to contain the fire from spreading! Fire is under investigation.

Going red for Voth. 🚨 Thank you Wichita!

UPDATE/ANNOUNCEMENT

Tomorrow, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, a dignified transfer for Wichita Fire Department's firefighter Ty Voth will begin at the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center, 1109 N. Minneapolis, and proceed to Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Kellogg. Elected officials are expected to gather at Fire Station 5, 257 N. Hillside.

Route
• Begins at Sedgwick County Forensic Science (1109 N. Minneapolis) at 11 a.m.
• East on 10th
• South on Minnesota
• East on 9th street
• South on Hillside by Firehouse 5
• West on Douglas
• Right on McLean (northbound) to Central
• West on Central to Tyler (travels by Firehouse 8)
• South to Maple
• West on Maple to 119th (travel by Firehouse 17)
• South on 119th to Resthaven (11800 W. Kellogg)
• Left into the parking lot (approximately 11:45 am.

Firefighter Voth began his career with our brothers and sisters in Manhattan Kansas before transferring to Wichita Fire.

Firefighter Ty Voth fell in the line of duty while bravely serving his community. When others run away from danger, our Wichita Firefighters run in. Ty was a five-year veteran of the department. He was selfless, dedicated and always put others before himself. Our fire department is family, and this loss is felt deeply by us all. We will share details on honoring Ty’s life as they become available.

Congratulations to the following probationary members who have successfully completed their testing and have been issued a yellow helmet! Morse, Hopson, Rodriguez, Koehler, Schoening, Solis, Green, Harper, Lange and Houser.