Lawrence Professional Firefighters

04/03/2026

We’re proud to recognize 8 members of the Lawrence Professional Firefighters who recently represented our department at the IAFF Strive for Excellence Summit.

Throughout the event, they took part in leadership development, health and safety education, and hands-on training designed to strengthen skills both on and off the fireground.

A sincere thank you to the International Association of Fire Fighters the IAFF 2nd District, and the Kansas State Council of Firefighters for the outstanding learning opportunities, networking, and hospitality throughout the summit!

03/21/2026

Today we remember Engineer Smith, better known as “Smitty”. Thank you for your service, we have not forgotten you.

In honor to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we commemorate:

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. COME ON OUT and see some pipes and drums!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1345157770967714&id=100064205106780

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

02/25/2026

We’re proud to support the Lawrence Firefighters Pipes & Drums this St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

They’ll be setting up a tent out front on the sidewalk/grass and will be popping in throughout the day to play for you. We’ll also have plenty of their shirts available for sale, so you can show some love and support a great local group while you’re here!

02/12/2026

Local 1596 Executive Board had the opportunity to speak with LDCFM’s new recruit class yesterday. We would like to welcome this new class of highly motivated individuals to our team!

02/11/2026

Good work Engine 1

A big rescue for a very good boy 🐾

Last week, Engine 1 helped rescue Moose, a 125-lb Anatolian Shepherd who accidentally broke through the ice. Thanks to fast action and teamwork, Moose is safe and back home where he belongs.

01/12/2026

Proud of our members!

SRC was honored this morning to witness the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) team as they received their unit citation awards for their excellent work to build and execute this critical program in Douglas County!
We are so thankful to work with Kim and Courtney, as well as the entire LDCFM team!

01/06/2026

Our condolences to those affected by yesterday’s incident.

01/05/2026

Please avoid the area. Updates will be provided through LKPD.

UPDATE 5pm: The deceased is a 28-year-old male from Minnesota. LKPD has notified family, but will give them time to notify extended loved ones. We will release the man's name Tuesday.

Tuesday evening's City Commission meeting will proceed as usual, but other than that, City Hall, included Municipal Court services, is closed until Thursday.
Please check City of Lawrence, Kansas - Municipal Government for future updates on potential city service interruptions.

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UPDATE: We have an update on the situation at City Hall. City Manager Craig Owens and Police Chief Rich Lockhart addressed media moments ago and confirmed a fatal shooting occurred.

It is very early in this investigation but we can confirm that a man forced his way into the building then broke through a door on the 4th floor, which is a secured area not open to the public.

City employees attempted to remove the man and a struggle began. The man was fatally shot. The employee was trained and authorized to carry a firearm. The investigation will be led by LKPD in cooperation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.

No city employees were seriously injured. The deceased suspect is likely not from the Lawrence area. Investigators are working to notify next of kin.

City Hall will be closed Monday. Municipal Court Offices will be closed until Thursday.
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Original Post:
LKPD officers and medical personnel from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical are at city hall right now after an altercation occurred. We are not able to confirm details yet but are on scene and have controlled the situation. City Hall is closed. Avoid the area. We will update you as soon as more information is available.

12/31/2025

As we ring in the New Year, Local 1596 reminds everyone to make safety the top priority tonight. Celebrate smart, look out for your brothers and sisters, and get home safe.

A few friendly reminders:
• Fireworks are cool, missing fingers are not. Just don’t.
• If you’re drinking, your keys are off duty. Call a ride (and no, not 911 unless it’s an emergency)
• Pace yourself, tomorrow you will thank you.
• It’s cold out dress like you want to keep all your toes, or your legs and arms for that matter.

We hope everyone had a great holiday season. Here’s to a safe, strong New Year from your Lawrence Professional Firefighters.

12/27/2025

Our Lawrence Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation has once again done great work. We were able to hand out coats for kids in need and they will have “snow” problem staying warm this season.

The kids also got to check out Engine 1 and have talks about fire safety.