‘Your tragedy is our tragedy’: Firefighters honored

Four Wichita firefighters who died in a fire 48 years ago were honored on Monday.

On Nov. 21, 1968, a fire broke out at the Yingling Chevrolet dealership that was at Topeka and English downtown.

Fire Chief Thomas McGaughey, Chief Fire Inspector Merle Wells, firefighter Dale Mishler and firefighter Jimmy Austin died when the roof and mezzanine collapsed on them.

Retired Lt. Pete Kirkendoll was on duty that night and responded to the fire.

“Some of the guys got pinned as the wall caved in,” Kirkendoll said. “It was just a freak accident that happened.

“Four firefighters is too many to lose,” he added, his voice breaking.

Wichita city and fire officials spoke at the ceremony Monday. Fire engines blocked off Topeka from English to Waterman.

Several family members attended as a plaque was dedicated to the four firefighters.

“Your tragedy is our tragedy. Your men are our men,” Wichita Fire Chief Ronald Blackwell told the family members. “They were firefighters to the core: heroes to their friends and loved ones, not to mention the people they saved through the years.”

“For each one of them, being a firefighter was more than a job,” Blackwell said. “It was in their blood, so when they went into the building that night, they were following their dream to serve and to save lives.”

Wichita Vice Mayor Lavonta Williams said those firefighters deserved to be honored beyond the 48th anniversary of the fire.

“These men had families and dreams and aspirations, and they sacrificed these things for the safety of our community,” Williams said. “I don’t think we can thank them enough.”

This story was originally published November 21, 2016 at 12:26 PM with the headline "‘Your tragedy is our tragedy’: Firefighters honored."