The history book committee wishes to thank all those fire department personnel who have assisted us in the preparation of this book. We would also like to thank everyone for their patience during the preparation of the book. It has been some time since the book was first commissioned by Chief Jim Sparr. Deputy Chief Walt Campbell's encouragement and direction during the book's organization is also appreciated. He was always available to assist the committee with advice and resources as needed.

During the formulation and early preparation of the book, Marsha Battaglear, a local high school teacher and an experienced school yearbook editor, was of significant help with the actual set-up of the book.

Several Wichita Fire Department personnel helped with the book by either donating photographs or helping gather photos from their respective battalions. Others who helped make the book possible include Sid Newby, who was of great assistance during the early preparation of the book; Gary Huntsperger, who loaned us his 1911 WFD history book and allowed us to take it apart giving us a good number of much needed photos of our early history; and all those personnel who, with their enthusiastic encouragement and good natured ribbing, helped us keep pursuing the finished product.

We would like to thank Mark Carvalho for the indvidual and group photos that appear in the book. His time and effort is appreciated.

We would also like to express our gratitude to Paul Dextras and Fran Kentling who proofread the entire book finding many errors and correcting them, making a better book possible.

We used many photos garnered from the files of The Wichita Eagle. The personnel of the paper's library and records section were very helpful in assisting us, loaning us many photos which we have used in the book.

To all of the people who were or were not mentioned who helped in one way or another, we the history book committee would like to express our sincere thanks for all the work and encouragment you have given.

THANK YOU.

History Book Committee

Mike Rudd
Bob Battaglear
Dennis Cowel