Firefighter Dennis Rhodes
September 13, 2008
Argonia, Kansas
Around 8 o'clock Saturday night, a page went out to Argonia Volunteer Firefighters. Five young adults were stuck on a raft, trapped in the raging currents at the swollen Chikaskia River dam. They were not wearing life jackets.
Wellington Fire Fighters arrived and immediately put their boat in the water, but instead of things getting better, the situation continued to grow worse. The boat with three Wellington Fire Fighters capsized. Now eight people were trapped in the waters of the roaring river in need of rescue. We asked Wichita crews come down and assist us, and we greatly appreciate them," said Catlin.
Before they arrived, a former volunteer firefighter from Argonia braved the terrifying currents trying to save those in harm's way. The currents proved too strong. 47 year-old Dennis Rhoads was pulled from the strong waters and was taken to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita where he died a short time later. You could call it heroism," said Catlin. "Our prayers go to the family and I'm sure the whole city is behind me on that one," he said.
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09-13-08 Argonia, Kansas - Firefighter Dennis Rhodes |
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