In April, the Wichita Fire Department was visited by two survey teams. The first was the Insurance Services office, formerly Fire Underwriters, who came for the purpose of rating the fire protection capability in Wichita. The second was the Urban Institute team surveying the Wichita Fire Department as one of 13 departments selected for study of fire prevention activities.

While these teams were in the city, three large fires occurred. For the first time in nine years, a second alarm was called for when a fire occurred in the Rounds & Porter building, 430 North Waco. This building consisted of three floors with approximately 4 1/2 acres of floor space. Although there was considerable loss, approximately $200,000, the fire was contained by firefighters after a hard-fought battle against intense heat and heavy smoke. Two days later another second alarm fire occurred; this time at the Rolling Hills Shopping Center. Mr. Larry's Market was destroyed in a pre-dawn blaze with a $150,000 loss. On April 19, another large loss fire occurred at a small shopping complex at 21st and West Street. This early morning fire destroyed two businesses and damaged several others. Winds of up to 35 miles an hour whipped the flames toward residences across the street, and it appeared for a time that a conflagration was in the making. Fortunately, the efforts of additional units called to the scene suppressed the fire, preventing any further spread.

Union negotiations with the City for higher wages came to an impasse, and a Federal mediator was called in to assist in getting a settlement. It seems "the more things change, the more they remain the same." The issue of wages for firefighters was first requested by the union when first organized in 1918. As the recognized bargaining agent for the Fire Department, Local #666 and its auxiliary have accomplished a great deal for all members of the department.

Today, as in the beginning, the Fire Department continues to protect the citizens of Wichita against the ravages of fire. Throughout the preceding pages, much has been written about the large fires of the day and little of any mention given to those of lesser involvement. However, the most frequent and occasionally the more tragic type of alarm the firefighter will respond to concerns those involving residences, rescue calls, grass, and vehicle fires. Although space does not allow description of the latter, the many experiences of firefighters in these situations are never forgotten.

Over the years the firefighter will in all probability have participated in a great many activities not directly connected to the fire service. These activities, which have an impact on the community, are varied; as an example, may be involvement in a toy repair program, collecting for the Salvation Army, running the distance for Muscular Dystrophy, coaching a little league team, and being a foster parent or big brother. In addition, he may have served as an office holder in the union, relief association, or pension board. The list of possibilities is endless. Perhaps it will suffice to say that the firefighter during his career becomes deeply involved and committed to the well-being of the community he serves.

For those who come for only a short period and leave the department, an imprint has been made in the mind of that individual. There have been, and will continue to be, instances where a short-term member of the fire service forgets his new role in business and responds to an emergency in his new pinstriped suit and wished for a brief moment he was back in the fire service.

This desire to help others in time of distress is not necessarily inherent in firefighters, but it is necessary for those who serve the full term in the noblest of professions as a firefighter.

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