As firefighters we are all aware there may come a time in a particular situation, that for one reason or another, we may have to lay down our life for the protection and preservation of life and property in our community. This is something no firefighter wants to do or plans to do, but we understand that it does happen. In our community we have 15 reminders that it happens. Fifteen good men, good husbands and fathers, good sons, good citizens, and good firefighters. These men gave our community what is expected by some, but should be required of no one - their lives.

As you read the names that follow, remember them for who they were, not just names on a memorial stone, but as men who were loved by their families and friends, missed by all those who had the good fortune to know them, and hopefully, appreciated by those in the community who they served.

George Tompkins Firefighter March 30, 1887 Lost life responding to a fire when a hose cart turned over onto him.	W.C. McFall Firefighter September 27, 1911 Lost life when he was crushed by a collapsing wall while fighting a fire on East Douglas.	Joe Stewart Firefighter April 22, 1917 Lost life when Engine No. 2 collided with an automobile.
Charles A. Messer Firefighter April 25, 1925 Lost life from burns received at the Golden Rule Refinery fire.	Tom Sladek Firefighter April 27, 1927 Lost life when he fell from his engine while responding to a fire.	Keith Fulton Firefighter November 18, 1943 Lost life when he was electrocuted while fighting a fire at Third and Topeka.
Clint Grovsener Firefighter November 18, 1943 Lost life when he was electrocuted while fighting a fire at Third and Topeka.	Gail S. Braden Chief Fire Inspector April 6, 1944 Lost life when he was shot while making a fire inspection.	Gary Lee Barrow Firefighter June 2, 1965 Lost life from an explosion and fire at the Red Bud Supermarket at Grove and 21st. Street.
Thomas A. McGaughey Fire Chief November 21, 1968 Lost life when ceiling collapsed at the Yingling Chevrolet fire at English and Topeka.	Merle O. Wells Chief Fire Inspector November 21, 1968 Lost life when ceiling collapsed at the Yingling Chevrolet fire at English and Topeka.	Jimmy L. Austin Firefighter November 21, 1968 Lost life when ceiling collapsed at the Yingling Chevrolet fire at English and Topeka.
Dale J. Mishler Firefighter November 21, 1968 Lost life when ceiling collapsed at the Yingling Chevrolet fire at English and Topeka.	Adrian D. Montgomery Firefighter February 9, 1979 Lost life when he was trapped inside a house fire at 1202 N. Emporia.	Claud C. Killingsworth Firefighter December 31, 1988 Lost life when he was trapped inside a house fire at 3749 N. Meridian.

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