Pittsburg Fire Department Assists in Water Rescue Mission Near Toronto, KS

Toronto, KS – On May 17, 2024, the Pittsburg Fire Department was requested to assist with a water rescue mission near Toronto, KS, as part of Kansas Task Force 4, the regional urban search and rescue organization for the Southeast Kansas area. Pittsburg was able to respond with two Swift Water Technicians, joining forces with the Chanute Fire Department, Neodesha Fire Department, Cherryvale Fire Department, Kansas Task Force 5 (Wichita area), the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and various other local organizations from the area.

Reportedly, the victim entered the water in the early morning hours as water was being released from the dam and was swept downriver. Throughout the day, a comprehensive multi-agency search effort was conducted.

Around 4:30 PM, the reported victim was found safe in Toronto, KS. The incident remains under investigation.

Kansas Task Force 4 is the regional search and rescue organization for the Southeast Kansas area. It is comprised of career and volunteer fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies throughout the region. The task force is available for urban search and rescue, natural disaster response, and technical emergency responses such as confined space, trench rescue, high angle rope rescue, and structural collapse rescue. Area firefighters and EMS personnel train extensively, in addition to their regular daily training, to be proficient in the skills and knowledge necessary to handle extraordinary rescue situations.

The Pittsburg Fire Department extends its gratitude to all participating agencies for their cooperation and swift response. This collaborative effort underscores the strength and effectiveness of our regional partnerships in ensuring public safety.

For further information, please contact the Pittsburg Fire Department at (620) 231-1870