In February, 1955, a spectacular fire occurred at the Rock Island Lumber Company with a loss in excess of $100,000.

By April of that year, only seven months after being hired as Safety Director over the Fire and Police Department, Scott Gardner quit the post under fire. While never warmly received by either department, he was liked even less by the Commission, who had not approved of the Manager's appointment in the first place.

In May, the National Board of Underwriters presented the "Gold Medal Award" to News Editor George Gow of KANS Radio for his work and support of fire prevention in Wichita. For many years, he signed off his night broadcast by encouraging Wichitans to "Check your house against fire, and say a prayer for peace."

A substantial benefit was provided for firefighters when protective clothing was finally furnished by the City. Prior to this, each man had to buy his own turnout clothing.

That spring in an effort to reduce the literally hundreds of trash and grass fires, a new trash burning ordinance was adopted. While home owners could still burn, special types of burners were required and burning hours of 2 p.m. until sundown were established. The Fire Prevention Division, under the direction of Chief Fire Inspector Clarke E. Longnecker, had their hands full in enforcing this new ordinance. Through issuing many summons and educating the public, the net result was a drastic reduction in the number of fire alarms.

A third new No. 3 Fire Station was opened at 18th and Market Street, and the next day the Commission granted firefighters equal pay with Police officers, although the disparity in work hours remained.

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