Welcome

Mission Statement

"To provide a variety of services designed to protect the lives and property of the community we serve."

We will accomplish our mission by providing prompt and professional services to mitigate, respond to, and recover from any event that may threaten the public welfare. We stand ready to serve.

Vision Statement

• To be a leader - setting the standards from which other departments will model their programs.
• To be recognized as a model of excellence - in the delivery of services to the patrons.
• To be responsive - to the needs and concerns of the community.
• To equip and train - our personnel with the best tools available to perform required tasks.
• To maintain the respect and trust of its stakeholders.

Department Bio

The Topeka-Tecumseh Fire District was founded in 1939 to protect unincorporated areas in Shawnee County around the City of Topeka.  Today the District provides fire suppression and first responder medical services to the residents of Topeka, Tecumseh, Monmouth and Williamsport Townships in southeast Shawnee County.  The District has three fire stations manned by full-time personnel, which are supplemented by part-time personnel who respond to alarms when needed.  On January 5, 2005 the Board of Trustees changed the fire district name to Shawnee Heights Fire District to better represent the response territory.

Insurance Classification

To help establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties, insurance companies need reliable, up-to-date information about a community's fire-protection services. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) provides that information through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program.

What is the PPC program? ISO collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program does not meet ISO?? minimum criteria. By classifying communities' ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.

In September of 2007 the ISO awarded the Shawnee Heights Fire District a PPC reclassification of Class 4/10 for the district.  Properties located within 5-road miles of the recognized, responding fire station and with a needed fire flow of 3,500 gpm or less are eligible for a Class 4 rating.  Properties located over 5-road miles from the recognized, responding fire stations are classified as a Class 10.  For a copy of the department Memorandum: click here.

The district has evaluated the number of properties that fall outside the Class 4 areas, and our Strategic Plan has addressed the additional stations necessary to offer the Class 4 rating to as many of our patrons as possible.  In addition, the department is taking appropriate steps to qualify for a Class 3 reclassification during our next ISO evaluation.

Congratulations

Two of our firefighters were recently hired on by the 190th KS ANG. Blake Singleton and Jeff Grittman were both selected to augment the 190th fire personnel. They will both remain on the department, responding on their days off. Also, congrats to Ryan Wickham who was hired by the MTAA fire department earlier this year.

Just A Reminder

Winter Snows

We are praying for a milder winter than last year, but we should all be prepared for snow.  Just want to remind everyone - when you are snowed in - we are most likely snowed in also.  We will make every effort to reach your property during an emergency, however delays are likely, your patience is appreciated.

Silent Killer Stalks Homes

As we cuddle up to stay warm in our tight well insulated homes, beware, there is a killer lurking - Carbon Monoxide (CO).  Carbon monoxide is a odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is a natural byproduct of your gas furnace.  As long as your flue pipe is unrestricted and your furnace is operating properly you should not experience a problem. To be safe, have your furnace checked each fall, prior to the heating season, and every home should have a minimum of at least one working CO detector, and preferably one on each level.  For more information about CO and CO detectors click here.

Grass Fires

Tall grass may present problems

As we have experienced yet another good growing season, we have a lot of tall vegetation out there.  The heavy vegetation is a result of three wet seasons of growth, with sparse burn-offs. 

Departments are preparing now for an extremely busy spring grass season.  The unusual amount of moisture will also present problems as the trucks try to travel across the wet fields.  Fields that look dry on the surface, will most likely be very muddy just inches below the surface.

Please use caution as you conduct your burns over the next few months.