On October, the 20th, there had been a warehouse fire at 2317 South Oliver with a loss of $63,500 and a $60,000 blaze on March 20th at the Consolidated Chemical Corporation plant, 3914 Irving. (16 firefighters were treated for respiratory injury due to this fire).

While the number of fires decreased in 1975 by 13%, 2,145 compared to 2,485, there was a dramatic increase in rescue calls - 825 runs in 1974 and 1,227 calls in 1975. The Fire Marshal Max Anderson attributed the better fire statistics to Fire Prevention inspection and public education of citizens.

The first formal firefighter contract between City and Union was signed. Jim Sparr, acting as president of Local No. 666, represented the firefighters in a very commendable manner. This contract signified a real milestone for the Union which for many years had tried to accomplish this task.

In November, Fire Prevention and Fire Administration offices moved into the 12th floor of the new City Building.

In February, 1975, after having served the community for nearly 35 years, Chief L.D. Carney retired. Deputy Chief of Administration Floyd E. Hobbs was named Fire Chief on February 23. He became the tenth man to assume the title of Chief since the organization of the paid Department in 1886.

Many dramatic changes were to be made during the year. One of the most significant changes for the department occurred this year, when pension benefits for firefighters were changed from 22 years of service and 50 years of age to 20 years service and no age limitation.

Another welcomed change was in the style and color of uniform. Firefighters discarded the old gray work uniform for the new Fire Department blue type. At the same time, new badges were issued to all personnel and the old badges were given to those who wanted them for sentimental keepsakes.

A "No Smoking" ordinance for public buildings was pushed through by the Health Department in 1975 and in March of this year, questions were being asked about who would enforce it, and where were the "No Smoking" signs. The problem, explained the Health Department wasn't the fire hazard, it was people pollution. Strangely enough, former Chief McGaughey had proposed a "No Smoking" ordinance for retail stores for several years without success. Perhaps, he should have asked for it on the basis of health instead of fire hazard.

Home inspections that year were concentrated on high-incident areas for the first time. These areas were selected by computer, and Chief Hobbs felt that by focusing on these high fire areas a real impact would be made in terms of fire prevention in residential occupancies.

Thanks to the ladies auxiliary, firefighters were provided with the newest type of protective clothing made of Nomex, and new style helmets.

Funds in the amount of $56,500 were approved after two wives of firefighters went to Washington to argue for Community Development Act Funds. Sharon McDonald and Mary Todd were successful and Wichita was one of the first cities to replace all protective clothing at one time.

"Firehouse Fare" was the headline in the life style section of the Wichita Beacon. This was a full spread article on firehouse cooking. Gary Huntsperger and Dennis Cowel were the gourmets of the day at No. 1 Station.