|
1961-62
|
1961- Fire at Southwest Grease and Oil.
1962 - Arson fire, Municipal Airport.
1962 - Four Seagrave pumpers arrive in Wichita - Chief T.A. McGaughey and Assistant Chief Homer E. Hall.
1962 - Station No. 15 under construction.
c. 1960's - Nighttime grass fire.
Pete Moran's goodie shop.
"Lonely at the Top" - Aerial Portable Ladder Pipe with Ozoo.
| Under the direction of Fire Chief Tom McGaughey, the department was to regain the pride and drive reminiscent of earlier times. He spoke out on the problems of inadequate manpower, the replacement of antiquated apparatus. In a positive course of action, he urged the reorganization of the entire Fire Department. He divided the department into three divisions; Administration, Operations and Fire Prevention, with each division being assigned certain area of responsibility with its individual realm of responsibility. He further recommended the immediate purchase of four pumpers and the establishment of scheduled replacement program to be put into effect with a policy to replace one major piece of apparatus each year.
Not only did he prescribe the purchase of new equipment and hiring of additional firefighters, he saw that new furniture, air-conditioners, beds, kitchen appliances were provided. Most importantly, he restored the pride and honor of being a firefighter. His requirements for a man entering the department were strict, and he felt that it required a certain breed of man - one who had an inbred desire to do good.
In the years between 1950 and 1960, the City had expanded through annexation, and the population had virtually exploded with an increase of area and people. It became necessary to provide more fire stations, men and equipment. In March 1962, No. 15 Station was planned at Lincoln and Rock Road to offer protection to the southeast area of the City. In June of that year, the four new pumpers ordered by Chief McGaughey arrived in Wichita with the Chief driving one. Two months later, firemen received a two-step salary increase which brought a first-class firefighter a monthly salary to $467.
With the discovery of the Salk Vaccine, an anti-polio vaccine drive began December 2, 1962. This marked an end to the Wichita Fire Department's involvement in providing service to polio victims. For years, firefighters had been on call to deliver iron lungs, rocking beds and chestpirators to hospitals and to adjust the machines for polio victims. The war against polio had been won and the Wichita Fire Department had participated in the battle.
The city grew by leaps and bounds during 1962 and increased by almost 20 square miles. In order to protect these new areas, another station was established at the Municipal Airport in the maintenance garage.
Back to Top
|
 |
|
|
Related to 11 - The Reawakening |
|
|
|
|
|
|