WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Firefighters Museum hosted the 23rd annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Sunday afternoon in Wichita. Recognizing Kansas firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Since the memorial was started in 2001, 141 names have been added to the Kansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial wall, four of which were added this year.
This honors firefighters who died while battling fires and those who put their health at risk to serve the community.
“A lot of people think in the line of duty that you died at the call, but there’s also health issues that go with it, cancers and heart problems. We’ve had people pass who are on the wall that died of complications from the job,” said Wichita Fire Department Lieutenant Corby Welch, who is also the commander of the Local 135 Wichite Fire Honor Guard.
The names of each fallen firefighter were read, and a bell was rung to signify the end of their shift.
KS State Firefighter Memorial Park
The Wichita Fire Department, along with Wichita Park & Recreation, is looking to transform Lincoln Park into the KS State Firefighter Memorial Park.
“The goal is simple: transform and activate the park space near the Firefighter Museum to honor the work and sacrifice of Kansas Firefighters,” said Wichita Park and Recreation.
The proposed park enhancements include fire-themed playground equipment, a fire-themed splash pad, and educational elements about fire fighting.
