Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical

06/06/2026

Yesterday, our Fire Investigator Unit (FIU) participated in Use of Force training, focusing on de-escalation strategies and the mechanics of arrest through a combination of classroom discussion and hands-on application.

This type of training helps reinforce sound decision-making, improves communication skills in dynamic situations, and ensures our team continues to operate with safety and professionalism at the forefront.

The session was led by our own Engineer John Dines, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with the team!

Great work, FIU!

06/04/2026

LDCFM Station No. 5 was unlawfully entered overnight, and law enforcement responded promptly.

There was no disruption to emergency response operations, and no firefighters were injured. The station has been checked, secured, and remains fully operational.

We appreciate the quick and professional response from our partners with the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and their continued support in helping ensure the safety of our personnel and facilities.

A man broke into Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Station #5 overnight and pulled the fire alarm.

When officers arrived about 1:30 in the morning, firefighters led them to the suspect who was in the kitchen area with blood on his hands.

He admitted he broke a window in the truck bay to get into the station at 19th and Stewart.

The man was arrested without incident and taken to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He told officers he was seeing people while looking at a blank wall.

No firefighters were injured during the break-in.

05/07/2026

We’re excited to help share this amazing opportunity from our neighbors to the west, the Topeka Fire Department!

🔥 Camp Courage for Girls gives young women ages 16–20 the chance to experience hands-on firefighter training, leadership, teamwork, and more. Registration has been extended through May 15!

If you know someone interested in the fire service, encourage them to apply and share this opportunity!

🚒🔥 Camp Courage for Girls – Registration Extended to May 15! 🔥🚒

Good news! Registration for Camp Courage has been extended to May 15 — giving more young women the opportunity to be part of this incredible experience!

Young women ages 16–20 will get hands-on experience in firefighting—hose deployment, search & rescue, auto extrication, and more.

👩‍🚒 Train alongside women firefighters
🧯 Wear full protective gear
🚑 Learn fire suppression, rescue operations, and first aid

💪 Get ready to train, lead, and be inspired!

Don’t miss your chance to sign up! APPLY NOW: https://www.topeka.gov/how_do_i/programs-services/camp_courage/index.php

Please share this Camp Courage for Girls information with your friends and family!

🚒

04/20/2026

We’re excited for tomorrow! Stop by to meet local firefighters and many other great community partners, check out the apparatus, and learn a few quick safety tips along the way! 🚒🚑🚨

Looking forward to connecting with the community and having some fun together!

Cake walk! Plinko! Patrol car! Food trucks! Gorgeous weather! 🌞

It’s all coming together for Douglas County Discovery Day tomorrow (Tuesday, April 21)! Stop by the Open Pavilion at the fairgrounds from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for touch-a-truck fun, interactive games, and a chance to explore county services and community resources.

Grab dinner or a snack from Barbwire Barbecue, JB’s Tacos, and The Pretzelly Truck, who will be serving up delicious options for purchase.

We can’t wait to see you there!

➡️ Details: http://dgcoks.gov/news/033126

Douglas County, KS- Emergency Management Douglas County Sheriff's Office Consolidated Fire District #1, Douglas County, KS Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Engage Douglas County LiveWell Douglas County Senior Resource Center - SRC Douglas County, KS Emergency Communications- 911 Douglas County District Attorney's Office Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

04/13/2026

📞 A Big THANK YOU to Our 911 Dispatchers! 🚨

This week, we recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18) and shine a spotlight on the calm voices behind the chaos, our incredible 911 dispatchers!

Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and dedication to keeping our community safe. 💛

Douglas County, KS Emergency Communications- 911
The University of Kansas Police Department

03/30/2026

🏆 Honoring Excellence at LDCFM’s Annual Awards Ceremony 🏆

Last week, we gathered for our annual awards ceremony. An evening dedicated to reflecting on the incredible accomplishments of the past year and recognizing the people behind them.

This event brought together firefighters, friends, family, and survivors. A powerful reminder of why we do what we do. 💙 One of the most meaningful parts of the evening is hearing directly from those we’ve had the privilege to serve. Getting to see survivors and listen to their stories is something our members truly carry with them long after the night ends.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a special night! 🎉

03/25/2026

We’re honored to share this Women’s History Month spotlight from the Kansas Firefighters Museum featuring another one of our own, Captain Lexie Engleman (ret.). ❤️🚒

Captain Engleman’s impact on the fire service and our community continues to be felt today, and we’re proud to see her story recognized as part of Kansas fire service history.

Be sure to check out the full post below to learn more about her incredible career and legacy! 👇

Women’s History Month Spotlight – Lexie Engleman. Lexie Engleman is recognized as one of the pioneering women in the Kansas fire service. Engleman joined the Lawrence Fire Department in 1981, becoming one of the first female firefighters in the department’s history. At a time when very few women were serving in the fire service, she helped open doors for future generations. Before beginning her firefighting career, Engleman worked as a teacher and coach, bringing leadership, discipline, and a strong commitment to public service into the firehouse. During her career, she served the Lawrence community for nearly 30 years and rose through the ranks, eventually retiring with the rank of Captain. In recognition of her contributions and pioneering role, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical dedicated a training room in her honor in 2023. Captain Lexie Engleman’s career stands as an example of the determination, professionalism, and leadership women have brought to the fire service throughout Kansas history.

03/23/2026

📢 The 2025 LDCFM Annual Report is Now Available! 📢

We’re excited to announce that the LDCFM 2025 Annual Report is now live on our website!

This report provides a look at our year, highlighting key accomplishments, community initiatives, and the dedicated work of our LDCFM employees. 🚑🚒

🔗 Check it out here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzMMenQh4/L1IrbGoWEJjCgfZ58SRWaQ/view?utm_content=DAGzMMenQh4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h879a2db0ab

03/16/2026

Bagpipes, drums, and a proud fire service tradition. 🍀

Check out this great story from The Lawrence Times about our firefighters with Lawrence Fire Pipes & Drums!

A local band of firefighter bagpipers and drummers will perform at three Lawrence bars on St. Patrick’s Day. https://lawrenceks.news/4utvZen

03/06/2026

🔋 Lithium-Ion Battery Safety 🔥

Lithium-ion batteries power items like phones, tools, e-bikes, and more. When any of these are used or disposed of incorrectly, they can cause serious fires. Here are a few quick safety reminders:

• Use the correct charging cord for your device
• Don’t overcharge
• Keep batteries away from heat
• Never throw them in the trash (recycle them properly)

Thank you to the Heart of America Metro Fire Chiefs Council and City of Lenexa, Fire Department for partnering to help spread this important message.

Please watch and share this PSA to help keep our community safe. 🔥