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‘Attack on legacy': Kan. Firefighters Museum condemns vandalism

A historic firehouse honoring the state’s fallen firefighters was defaced, prompting the museum to denounce the act and call for community support to protect memorial sites

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A memorial to Kansas fallen firefighters was vandalized.

Kansas Firefighters Museum/Facebook

WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas Firefighters Museum has issued a statement condemning recent vandalism to its historic building and memorial grounds, describing the incident as “an attack on the legacy and respect” of Kansas firefighting history.

Located in a 115-year-old former firehouse in Wichita, the museum serves as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the state’s firefighters. It also houses a memorial honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, KSNW reported.

“When art and self-expression turns to vandalism, specifically the defacement of our 115-year-old building and the memorial dedicated to the fallen Kansas firefighters… it becomes an attack on the legacy and respect that this space represents,” the museum said on social media.

The museum is cooperating with local authorities as the investigation into the incident continues and is urging the community to come together to safeguard historical landmarks and honor spaces dedicated to remembrance.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.