McPherson firefighters train in swift-water rescue
Training covered reading currents, rescue techniques, and teamwork, the department says
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Sign up freeThe McPherson Fire Department said in a Facebook post Tuesday, Oct. 6, that firefighters trained in swift-water rescue last week, practicing how to read and navigate currents, perform rescues, and work as a team.
During the period referenced in the post, the National Weather Service in Wichita issued an Oct. 1 flood warning for McPherson County. The warning was issued at 3:13 p.m. after up to 2 inches of rain had fallen since Wednesday evening, with up to 3 additional inches possible through Thursday evening.
Citizen Journal previously reported that McPherson personnel deployed with Kansas Search and Rescue Task Force Five for a June 4, 2025, swift-water rescue in Chase County. Task Force Five and Task Force Six rescued two residents and their dogs without injury.
Citizen Journal reported in November 2024 that the department had operated its own dive team since 2022 and that the city approved more than $10,000 for underwater communication devices, full-face masks and buoyancy-control systems.
The department’s 2025 annual report lists replacing its inflatable rescue boat among its accomplishments.
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