Tag: KCK Fire Department

Firefighter suffers 25-foot fall

A Kansas City, Kansas, firefighter fell 25 feet through a roof on Friday while assisting a Police Department investigation.

The firefighter was last listed in serious but stable condition, according to a spokesman for the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department.

Fire crews had been dispatched about 8:44 a.m. Friday to 5624 Kansas Ave. to assist a worker who fell 25 feet through a skylight onto a concrete floor, the spokesman stated.

The worker was unconscious and was taken by EMS to a hospital, where he was in critical condition, according to the spokesman.

At 10:35 a.m., the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested a Fire Department ladder truck to assist them in gaining access to the roof so they could take photos and document the accident that took place earlier, the spokesman stated.

At 11:09 a.m., a firefighter fell through a different skylight, and was taken by emergency crews to a hospital, where he was originally in critical condition, according to the spokesman. His condition now has been upgraded to serious but stable.

The roof of the building is made up of corrugated tin with sections of corrugated skylights made of fiberglass, the spokesman stated. The fiberglass has weathered over time and blends in with the rest of the roof, according to the spokesman.

“We ask that people continue to keep the worker and the 19-year veteran firefighter in their thoughts and prayers,” said Scott Schaunaman, assistant fire chief.

Paramedic pay increase agreed by UG and firefighter union

Paramedic compensation is poised to increase in Wyandotte County.  The action is intended to create an employment incentive to recruit and retain this important public service skill.  The news came on Nov. 22 as the Unified Government announced a letter of understanding between the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 64 to increase firefighter-paramedic compensation.

Terms of the agreement include an increase in the current pay differential of one percent for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to nine percent for paramedics.  UG says the increase reflects the additional training required to obtain a Paramedic certification, and the tight labor market for paramedics.

There are hiring incentives and improved starting pay for new employees with an active paramedic certification.  There will be incentives and a certification pathway for new hires who lack a paramedic certification.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement,” said County Administrator Doug Bach.

“Paramedics play a key role in providing lifesaving care for our residents. With these changes, we can more competitively compensate our KCKFD paramedics.”

The Unified Government and Local 64 have agreed to continue work towards a comprehensive multi-year contract to cover all members of the union.

Firefighters battle fire on North Mill in freezing conditions

Firefighters battled a fire in freezing conditions Tuesday morning on North Mill Street. There was significant damage to the home. (Photo from Scott Schaunaman, Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department)
Firefighters battled a fire in freezing conditions Tuesday morning on North Mill Street. There was significant damage to the home. (Photo from Scott Schaunaman, Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department)
Firefighters battled a fire in freezing conditions Tuesday morning on North Mill Street. There was significant damage to the home. (Photo from Scott Schaunaman, Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department)

Kansas City, Kansas, firefighters today battled both a fire and freezing conditions.

Fire crews responded to a fire at 9:41 a.m. Tuesday at a home at 259 N. Mill St., according to a spokesman for the Fire Department.

Heavy smoke and fire was showing from all the windows when the crews arrived, the spokesman, Scott Schaunaman, stated.

The snow and the freezing temperatures made surfaces hazardous to walk on, and because water used in attacking the fire has a chance of freezing, it increased the danger on the ground and ladders.

All the windows and doors of the home had been boarded up with plywood, and no utilities were running to the property, the spokesman stated.

The spokesman stated that damage to the home was significant, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.