Impromptu Visit in Wichita, KS, for Son of Injured Firefighter Goes Viral

What started as a simple gesture to heighten the spirits of a boy whose firefighter dad was being treated in a Wichita burn center took an unexpected turn.

“It really wasn’t a big deal. But it certainly has received a lot of attention, which we never expected,” Wichita Lt. Josh Griffin said of an impromptu visit by the firefighter’s son in a tower ladder outside the hospital window last week.

When a firefighter is being transferred to the burn center, the Wichita honor guard is notified.

“We greet the family, handle hotel reservations, meals and anything else we can,” Griffin explained, adding that it allows the family to concentrate on their loved one.

He was the one who got the call last month when two volunteer firefighters from a small department were burned fighting a wildfire. He immediately headed to the hospital where he found out that they were being transported by ground because medevacs were grounded due to the smoke.

But he waited, knowing the families would need assistance.

“This is what brotherhood is all about. It doesn’t matter whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter. You should feel welcome when you walk into a firehouse anywhere. And this is what we do in Wichita.”

He spoke of how the firefighters did whatever needed, including holding the two-month-old sibling of the boy so their mother could visit.

No one from the firefighters’ department or the state came to the hospital.

“They were still actively fighting wildfires. I don’t think they could break anyone away to get here.  I learned from the chief that their department which is three hours away handles 460 square miles.”

After spending many hours in the hospital, Griffin said it was more than obvious the firefighter’s son was going stir-crazy.

“With his mother’s approval, I took him out for donuts. And we swung by the firehouse so he could see the equipment.”

That’s when Griffin came up with the idea of using a tower ladder, placing the boy in the bucket so he could wave to his father through his window.

“He was grinning ear-to-ear. We know it’s an experience he’ll never forget. They loved it…”

Griffin shared photos he took with a friend, who posted them on Kansas Firefighters Museum Facebook page.

“When they called to say Firehouse Magazine wanted permission to use the photos, I couldn’t believe it.”

The 22-year firefighter was quick to add: “This is what the firefighter family does. We’re here for family when they need us. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a really large or small department, you’re career or volunteer. We’re all firefighters…That’s what brotherhood and sisterhood is about, period.”