Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services

09/03/2024

We are extremely proud of Captain Todd Bender and his leadership of his team. Being recognized as Garrison Employee of the Month for June is a true testament of his leadership and work ethic. Congratulations Captain Bender.

08/16/2024

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our team at Fort Novosel Fire & Emergency Services during this difficult time. USAACE and Fort Novosel

08/11/2024

Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services is proud to announce our two newly promoted Battalion Fire Chiefs. Battalion Chief Ryan Hall & Battalion Chief Jim Kennedy. Congratulations to you both and we look forward to working alongside of you for many years.

08/07/2024

Extremely proud of Retired Asst. Chief Richard Watson. His dedication to his profession and expertise that he brings with him will benefit the citizens of the State of Kansas for many many years to come. We wish Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Richard Watson the very best in his future endeavors.

On August 5, 2024, Richard Watson assumed duties as the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal of Kansas. In this position, Watson will serve as second in command of the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office (KSFM) and have the statutory authority to act as the State Fire Marshal when necessary.

Watson brings over 30 years of experience and knowledge in fire and emergency services to KSFM. This includes his most recent position serving as the Assistant Fire Chief of Prevention at the Fort Riley Fire Department, a position he retired from in late July.

Watson joined the Fort Riley Fire Department as a Training Officer in 2011 and was later promoted to Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief of Health and Safety, then Assistant Fire Chief of Prevention. Prior to joining the Fort Riley Fire Department, Watson served in the U.S. Air Force, as a Firefighter with the Kansas Air National Guard at Forbes Field in Topeka, and as a Firefighter / EMT with the Shawnee Heights Fire District in Tecumseh, Kansas.

In addition to his fire service and leadership experience, Watson has numerous international fire service accreditations, to include Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Plans Examiner, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, and Incident Safety Officer. Watson is also the only state employee to be task book qualified as a Wildland Fire Investigator by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

“Rich has served as an instructor for our fire investigator program in the past and is widely recognized for his expertise in wildland fire investigations.” said State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm. “I am thrilled that that he has agreed to take on this important role and know that his dedication to Kansas fire and emergency services will have a positive impact on our state.”

As Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, Watson will supervise routine agency operations, oversee the Chiefs of the Prevention, Investigations, Emergency Response, and Industrial Safety Divisions, while also providing training to our staff and outside agencies. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting lives and property from the hazards of fire, explosion, and natural disaster and promotes prevention, education, and investigative activities to mitigate incidents, promote life safety, and deter crime.

Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshal of Kansas

08/05/2024

Hoarding conditions create higher danger levels for first responders and residents alike.

08/02/2024

Our hearts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters of the Wichita Fire Department and the Family of Firefighter Voth.

07/29/2024

Many schools in the Flint Hills Region start back up in the next couple weeks. School zones will be active, students will be walking or riding bikes, and buses will again be back on the road. Let's work hard to keep it safe for everyone.

07/22/2024

Electricity is responsible for not only causing fires but also injuries, in both the home and the work setting. Take a look around. Are there electrical issues? Have them taken care of. The life you save may not be just yours!

07/18/2024

Join us in congratulating Firefighter Dalton Buckley on 5 years of service to the U.S. Government. Congratulations to FF Buckley on this achievement and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.

07/15/2024

There are many similarities between manufactured and site built homes. However, manufactured homes have unique characteristics. Here's some info to keep you and your family safe!

07/04/2024

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

07/02/2024

07/01/2024

Each year, consumer fireworks injure thousands of people. Most often it's children and teens who sustain those injuries. The possession and/or discharge of fire works is prohibited on Fort Riley. We encourage you to enjoy one of the fireworks shows put on by professionals in your local area.

06/27/2024

Join us in congratulating Firefighter Clover Castillo on 5 years of service to the U.S. Government. Congratulations to FF Castillo on this achievement and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.

06/24/2024

Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. In the U.S. and Canada, adults age 65 and older make up about 12% of the populations. It's essential to take the necessary steps to stay safe.

06/20/2024

What do you do when you retire from Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services?? You do what Retired Firefighter Dale Upton did, you go hit a Hole-In-One!!!! Way to Go Dale!!!! Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services

06/19/2024

Lithium-Ion batteries are is use all around us. Here's some info to help keep you and your family safe.

06/10/2024

A campfire can be fun, but it's also a big responsibility.

06/08/2024

Retired Fort Riley Fire Chief John Boyd passed away yesterday in Wamego. John was a firefighter through and through and his leadership and wisdom will continue throughout the ranks of Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services. His dedication and loyalty to the men and women that he lead will forever be echoed throughout the ranks of the fire service. Our prayers and sympathies to his family.

John will lie in state beginning at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (June 12, 2024) at the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego Kansas. The family will meet friends for a visitation later that evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be Thursday June 13th at 1030am at the St. George Township Cemetery. The family has requested no Honor Guard. Come and honor a great Friend, Brother and Champion for the Fire Service.

06/03/2024

On average, gas grills are involved in over 9,000 home fires per year across the United States. Leaks or breaks were a primary problem with gas grill fires. Additionally, over 22,000 patients go to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills. Here's some additional info to help you grill safely.

05/28/2024

We all know that water and electricity doesn't mix. But, do you know how to best keep those two from coming into contact with each other? Here's some info to help you find that out!

05/27/2024

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." - Harry S. Truman

05/21/2024

Recently FRFES hosted training for personnel from the 442nd Fighter Wing Fire Department from Whiteman AFB for their annual training. This training consisted of Hazardous Materials training, aircraft and structural live fire training.

05/20/2024

The summer vacation season is almost here! Many will be traveling to see the sights, maybe visit family and friends. Take an extra moment to help ensure the hotel or motel you're staying at provides smoke alarms and sprinkler systems. Not sure how to find that out? FEMA offers a search tool to help you find that info! https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/hotel/

05/13/2024

Bicycling is one of the best ways to get exercise and see the sights. But, bicyclists face a lot of hazards. Here are some safety tips to help keep you and your family members safe.

05/07/2024

Congratulations to Inspector Kathy Deutsch for winning the Garrison Employee of the Month Award. We are extremely proud of her and all that she does for the Soldiers, Families and Civilians of Fort Riley. Congratulations once again!!!!

05/06/2024

Have a plan in place to protect you and/or your family! Stay aware and in tune to local media outlets.

Today is one of those days to have an eye on the weather and a plan in place! Expecting severe thunderstorms to develop across central Kansas in the afternoon and move east through the evening (see map for arrival timing at specific locations). Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will all be possible.

05/01/2024

Did you know we're also on Instagram?? Take a few minutes to visit us there. Tell your friends and family.

04/29/2024

There are many reasons why you should call 911:
-you or someone else is sick or hurt
-any type of fire - building, vehicle, grass or brush
-a fire alarm system activation
-you need a police officer or MP immediately

If you are in the Fort Riley area and call 911 from a cell phone it is possible your call may go to one of the neighboring dispatch centers. If that happens, tell them you need to be transferred to the Fort Riley 911 center. Calling an office or admin number only delays getting you the help you need.