Emporia Kansas Fire Department

09/11/2026

This morning, the Emporia Fire Department hosted a ceremony to remember the lives lost on September 11, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call.
Twenty-five years later, we remain committed to ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

09/11/2026

This morning, the Emporia Fire Department hosted a ceremony to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call.

Twenty-five years later, we remain committed to ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

09/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026

$5,000 Grant Helps Emporia Fire Department Prepare for Farm Machinery Rescues
When someone becomes trapped in farm machinery, a fast, safe rescue depends on firefighters having the right training. A $5,000 Working Here Fund grant from Frontier Farm Credit will help the Emporia Fire Department build those lifesaving skills.

The grant will purchase a Black Box Machinery Rescue Simulator and specialized attachments, allowing firefighters to practice freeing someone from machinery in a safe, controlled setting. Training will focus on securing equipment, controlling hazards and protecting the injured person throughout a rescue.

“Agricultural and machinery entrapments don’t happen every day, but when they do, they can be extremely challenging and time-sensitive incidents,” Fire Marshal Stephen Beemer said. “This equipment gives us the opportunity to practice those skills before we’re faced with that situation during an emergency.”

With agriculture central to Lyon County, the equipment will provide local training for emergencies involving machinery that farmers and agricultural workers use regularly. The Emporia Fire Department also plans to offer training opportunities to neighboring fire departments.

“We are truly grateful to Frontier Farm Credit for investing in training that directly reflects the risks in our area,” Beemer said.

Hands-on training will begin after the equipment arrives and is set up.

09/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026

$5,000 Grant Helps Emporia Fire Department Bring Free Smoke Alarms to More Homes
Emporia, KS - Working smoke alarms give families early warning to escape a fire, and a $5,000 grant will help the Emporia Fire Department bring that protection to more homes.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation awarded the grant through Emporia Lodge No. 12 to support the Emporia Fire Department’s Smoke Alarm Assistance program. Funding will purchase 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarms and installation materials for homes in the department’s service area.

Emporia Fire Department personnel install the alarms at no cost to residents and share practical tips on alarm maintenance and home escape planning. More than 100 households had requested assistance when the department applied for the grant.

“We regularly encounter homes with missing, outdated, or nonworking alarms,” Fire Marshal Stephen Beemer said. “This grant gives us a chance to address those problems before there is an emergency.”

The Kansas Masonic Foundation and Emporia Lodge No. 12 join the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, American Red Cross and Walmart in supporting the Emporia Fire Department’s smoke alarm efforts.

Need a smoke alarm or unsure whether yours needs replacing? Complete the Emporia Fire Department’s Smoke Alarm Assistance Request or contact the Emporia Fire Department.

09/10/2026

Twenty-five years have passed, but the significance of September 11, 2001, remains unchanged.

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost. Thousands more were injured. Families, communities, and our nation were forever changed.

Tomorrow, we pause to remember those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and reflect on the service, sacrifice, and unity that followed.

We invite Emporia to remember with us.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/09/2026

In the days following September 11, Americans showed what community looks like.

People donated blood. Volunteers traveled to help. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Strangers comforted strangers.

Twenty-five years later, that lesson remains.

The strength of a community isn't created when an emergency happens. It is built every day through relationships, trust, service, and compassion.

We see that spirit throughout Emporia in the people who volunteer, serve, lend a hand, and step forward when someone needs help.

Strong communities are built long before they are tested.

09/07/2026

Twenty-five years ago, law enforcement officers from across New York and beyond responded without hesitation.

They evacuated civilians, conducted rescues, secured dangerous areas, and continued serving as an unimaginable tragedy unfolded around them. Many made the ultimate sacrifice, while others carried the effects of their service for years afterward.

As we remember those who served on September 11, we also recognize the law enforcement officers who serve alongside us here at home.

To our public safety partners: thank you for your courage, professionalism, and commitment to our community.

09/06/2026

343.
To the fire service, it is more than a number.

On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY firefighters answered the call and moved toward danger as thousands of others made their way to safety.

They never returned home.

The impact did not end that day. In the years that followed, many who responded to and worked at Ground Zero developed illnesses related to their service.

Twenty-five years later, their courage continues to inspire generations of firefighters and reminds us of the commitment at the heart of the fire service: duty, courage, and service to others.

343. We remember.

09/05/2026

Twenty-five years ago, our nation changed forever.
Throughout the coming week, the Emporia Fire Department will remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor those who answered the call, and reflect on the values of service, sacrifice, courage, and community.
Join us as we remember together.

09/04/2026

Dry Conditions = Increased Fire Risk
The recent hot and dry weather has increased fire danger across our area. Even without a burn ban or Red Flag Warning in effect, dry grass and vegetation can allow a small fire to spread quickly.
A few things to keep in mind:
• Use extra caution with any outdoor burning and never leave a fire unattended.
• Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest, driest part of the day when possible.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby when working around dry vegetation.
• Make sure ci******es and other smoking materials are completely extinguished.
• Be careful where you park or operate vehicles and equipment—hot exhaust components can ignite dry grass.
• If you are conducting an approved outdoor burn, make sure it is completely out before leaving it.
There may not be a burn ban today, but that doesn't mean there isn't a fire risk. A little extra caution can keep a small spark from becoming a big problem.
KVOE recently spoke with Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Conley about the current conditions and steps residents can take to reduce the risk. Check out their story below.

Hot and largely dry conditions for much of the last week have increased the fire danger areawide. So far, ther...