Then came the "Fire College." The new Chief inaugurated the college for the purpose of training all men in every department of their business. Classes were to be held every day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and subject matters ranged from self-reliance to chemistry of fire, to hydraulics. Also, the unrelenting pressure of the Underwriters continued to be felt as they stepped up recommendations for fire safety codes and ordinances, stations, men, etc. In March, another $200,000 blaze, this time at the S.R. Mills, Broomcorn Warehouse. A fire at 3015 North Arkansas occurred and the longest line, up until that time was laid, it was 3,850 feet long.

The first of the classic machines was purchased by the department during this period, it was a 1928 Ahrens Fox Pumper. The cost was $13,500 and the press covered the acceptance tests held at Riverside Park where it pumped 1,200 gallons per minute. It was described as one of the most elaborate pieces of firefighting equipment in Kansas. The latest modern devices adorned the nickel-plated truck, and ingenious devices held accessories in place. It was equipped with five 2 1/2 discharges from the pump and carried its own supply of water (85 gallons). Built by the same company that the first steamer was purchased from, it was capable of speeds up to 60 miles per hour.

The annual training season arrived in May and for the next four months, the new drill master Captain Earl Saunders put the men through some strenuous training experiences. One evolution consisted of climbing to the top of the tower carrying 100 pounds of weight.

By mid 1928, the salaries of the firemen had only reached $140 per month for first-class man, and though they hadn't had much success in the past, firemen petitioned the Manager for $20.00 a month increase. Their case was well prepared and statistics showing other fire departments pay scales were included, Kansas City $1,980, Tulsa $2,400, Oklahoma City $1,800, Topeka $1,736, and Wichita $1,680 per year. Their petition also included the statement, "Firemen are worthy of a living wage." This appeal by the firemen, their friends, and the Fire Prevention Committee was to no avail, the request was again denied. Interesting enough, the year before a similar request was denied on the grounds that the mill levy would have to be increased, (it was increased, but the wages were not). If support from the City was absent, it certainly wasn't from the Chamber of Commerce Fire Prevention Committee. Dr. I.D. Maggard, Chairman of that committee went on record as requesting approval of a $35,000 bond issue to help the Wichita Fire Department. Another friend, J.C. Kelly, President of Wheeler, Kelly, Hagney Trust Company who had been actively interested in fire prevention for many years, stated in the news, "That at no time had the firefighting facilities lagged so far behind the growth of the City." He advocated the City buy new equipment and divide Central Station into two new stations; a measure that Chief Brownewell had recommended several years before. These words were apparently heard, and some action would be started in the next few months.

Whether it was a deliberate act to keep the Fire Department in the news or not, Jess Akin fell out of a second-story window while washing them at Central Station. Thus a record of sorts was established, for twenty-seven years firemen had been doing this chore without a single accident. Even Bozo, the adopted fire dog, did his part to advertise the department (the hard way, too). Bozo was a poor old civilian pooch with a drooping tail, flea gnawed and gaunt, but he responded to the caresses, the good food and the rompings of the firemen at Central Station. Bozo who adopted the whole tail-pulling bunch, began to fatten up and sleep a lot under the engines in the Oil drippings. That is what he was doing when an alarm came in. He didn't even hear it, or the roar of the engine starting, but when the machine moved, he jumped right under the back wheel. At any rate, it was reported that most of the men felt like Bozo, even though dead, had already been to heaven (the fire house).

The Wichita Fire Department discontinued the use of "chemical wagons" (carrying soda acid) in 1928. Perhaps the new Ahrens Fox Pumper and its eighty-five gallon water tank had been proven to be just as effective at extinguishing fires and a lot cheaper ($400 per year for the chemical), and water didn't ruin furniture or walls. The chemical truck at Central Station was even converted to a pumper carrying a one hundred and seventy-five gallon water tank. The role of "chemical" was reduced to portable extinguishers carried on the side. In October of that year, the effects of the 1925 Imperial Mills fire appeared when Fire Inspector John Gorman died; he was one of the thirteen men overcome by chlorine gas. There would be more. The City Dads finally approved the building of No. 8 Station at 3rd and Wabash for $28,000 and purchased two new Ahrens Fox machines, a pumper $13,000, and service truck $10,000.

In 1926, "Fire Prevention Week," had been officially set aside as such by presidential proclamation. For two years in Wichita there had been much interest and activity during this week, and it continued to be one of the best publicized events of the year. This particular week, and the participation by many businessmen and civic groups involved in it, provided support for the Fire Department. The editor of the Beacon received a letter from some disgruntled citizen who was made because the fire trucks were able to "run wild" through the streets with loud sirens and bells while the ambulances were confined to the speed limits and the use of an ordinary car horn. Chief McCall was also concerned about the number of accidents involving fire vehicles, and asked through the paper that citizens observe the ordinance that requires them to give the right-of-way to fire trucks. The lack of good steering, brakes and warning equipment made it hard to miss cars in those days. The improvement in equipment (new Fox pumpers) made the Wichita Fire Department capable of pumping nearly 11.5 million gallons of water per day, which was almost half of what the Water Works could provide. The Wichita Fire Department pumping capacity had been increased 35% within a year.

Things were beginning to look up for the Wichita Fire Department as a bond issue was to be voted on for two new stations.

According to the City Manager Bert Wells, the crowded conditions in City Hall was hampering the efficiency of various departments, especially the Police Department. This could only be remedied by abandonment of Central Station and building two new stations, one North and one South of Douglas.

In the event the bond issue passed, the old Central Fire Station would become the home of the Wichita Police Department. It failed to gain voters approval, however, several years later this project was accomplished.

Again, the annual Christmas Day repair program started and the "fire boys" were ready to start mending and making new toys for the City's poor. At least they got some expert assitance in painting that year when world famous painter (Wichita's own) John Noble who was a personal friend of Chief McCall, dropped in on the boys and helped paint a few toys. He finally decided to let the artists of the Fire Department do it their own way. He stated, "The firemen could see more colors on a horse than he could" (they had painted the horses feet, green).

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