The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) recently awarded $1.3 million in funds to 89 fire departments in Kansas through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program.

The grant was made possible through its budget passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly.

An additional $1.2 million was made available to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for this grant by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with an $100,000 provided through the office’s budget.

This year, over $2.4 million was requested by 97 volunteer/part-time fire departments in Kansas for safety gear, washer/extractor machines and junior firefighter programs. Departments received close to $1.2 million to be used for safety gear, $106,000 for 20 washer/extractor machines, and $1,200 for the junior firefighter programs. Due to the high number of requests, OSFM will be requesting the 2023 Legislature to continue funding the grant.

A list of the departments receiving a 2023 grant award and more information on the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program can be found here.

After a Monroe County fire station burned down a little over a year ago, a donation from Oglethorpe Power Company is providing a fresh start, 13wmaz.com reported.

Last year, a fire truck caught fire inside Monroe County’s Fire Station 10 on Evans Road, leading to a total loss of the building, the report said.

On Monday, county commissioners, State Rep. Dale Washburn, and others came together to put the shovel in the new site off Rumble Road to make it official. Fire Chief Matt Jackson says most of the department’s calls are on the interstate, the report said. The prime location helps to better serve the county and its surrounding areas, according to the report.

The fire station is estimated to be completed sometime in 2023.

Anderson County Commissioners recently approved the purchase of a swiftwater boat and the formation of a county Swiftwater Rescue Team, PalestineHerald.com reported.

During Monday’s Commissioners Court meeting, a Slocum Volunteer Fire Department official reported that swiftwater rescues had become more prevalent in the community and were one of the more dangerous types of rescues emergency crew personnel participated in, the report said.

The fire official explained the difference between jon boats and swiftwater rescue boats and the need for the specialty boat, noting that jon boats easily take on water and swiftwater rescue boats were made to not capsize, according to the report.

It was established that the swiftwater boat would belong to the county and be available to any county volunteer fire department that needed use of it, as long as they were trained in swiftwater rescues and the use of the boat, the report said.

Scott Vavra is an industry veteran, Army Reservist and expert who creates best-in-class customer service experiences in manufacturing

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – 12/14/2022 – Scott Vavra will assume leadership of Darley’s Pump Customer Support and Applications Engineering Team effective January 9, 2023.

“We are thrilled Scott has joined Darley to lead one of the most vital parts of our business to put our customers first and exceed expectations,” said Greg Field, Pump Division General Manager. “We’re confident our customers will be in good hands with Scott and his team as we continue to take the total customer care experience to the next level.”

Vavra succeeds Lairy Normand, who is retiring on January 6, 2023, after 30 years of distinguished service. 

“On behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank Lairy for his many contributions to Darley over the past 30 years, and I wish him all the best,” said Field.

Vavra is an accomplished leader in global customer support. Before joining Darley, Vavra spent over 15 years with Cummins, where he successfully held a range of customer support leadership roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Vavra improved total customer support experience by developing and implementing innovative and comprehensive operations and training programs. Vavra received the Silver Drop Award for Outstanding Customer Service from the Cummins Engine Company in 2010.

Vavra also serves in the Army National Guard and received a leadership award while stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.

Vavra holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Industrial Technology, Technical Sales and Service. He also earned an Automotive Technology degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College and a teaching certificate from Mount Senario College.

Vavra lives in Holcombe, WI, with his wife of 27 years, Holly, and his three daughters, Kayla (24), Emily (22), and Carly (18). When not spending time with his wonderful family, Vavra is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys working on various projects.