Then on Memorial Day, a spectacular blaze was fought by the department in the McClellan Store, 121 E. Douglas, a hard fought battle that cost $100,000 in loss. It was well attended by the citizens and it was estimated that more than 20,000 watched the fire boys in action.

A new first for the department - in December of 1936, a new cab type fire truck was purchased, an Ahrens-Fox, 750 gallon Triple Combination Centrifugal Type Pumping Fire Engine. It accommodated three men and offered shelter when returning from rural fires. By now, ten townships around Wichita were given fire protection by the department. They needed additional equipment that year as fire alarms increased to 1,821 and so did the fire loss, $139,687. Firefighting equipment at this time included 10 engines, 4 trucks, 2 hose trucks and a squad car and there were 125 men on the job.

The Mayor of Wichita Elmer Corn gave the benefit funds of the Fire and Police Departments a boost by donating his salary to them. A bonus came in the way of $5 per month pay increase for all City Employees, including the firemen.

The Fire Department rescue squad, formed in 1933, was continuing to be recognized for its efforts. It was reported that the squad was second to none, and was equipped with the latest equipment, including a boat and portable electric floodlights. The men assigned are all over six feet tall, strapping fellows who swim and dive to perfection, and are afraid of nothing. A short time after the publicity on the rescue squad, these men were credited with saving the life of a child with their inhalator.

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