When Wichita was in its infancy, the only fire protection available was provided by good neighbors, who would rush to the aid of those in need with buckets of water. Later, volunteer fire companies were formed to offer quicker response and more adequate protection; again, these were citizens helping one another for the betterment of the community.

As the City grew, it became quite apparent that more men and equipment would be necessary to provide protection against fire, and, consequently, a paid professional fire department was organized. From this small group of loyal and dedicated men grew a department that is second to none.

These books merely highlight 120 years of the dramatic inception, growth, and maturity of the Wichita Fire Department. An attempt to record every event would require literally volumes of written and pictorial material. Much of the memorabilia, photographs, as well as written and spoken accounts, which relate to the rich and colorful history of the department, have been lost forever. That which remains and could be discovered is herein assembled for those present, as well as for future generations of firefighters to see and read.

These pages may serve to remind the reader of the past, as well as to consider the promise of the future, for the commitment of the firefighter to his fellow citizens and to the community remain the same, through duty, dedication, and faithful service.

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