By Ryan Duey

The Dickinson County Commissioners signed a letter opposing new emergency response standards proposed by OSHA for firefighters and fire departments.

Herington Fire Chief Andrew Avantagiato raised concerns at the July 11 meeting, noting that although Kansas is not an OSHA state, the Kansas Department of Labor plans to adopt these standards. Avantagiato, representing the Kansas State Fire Chiefs’ Association, expressed worry that smaller and volunteer departments lack the resources to comply, citing expensive mandated training and equipment updates. He emphasized the high costs, such as $1,200 for physicals per firefighter, and stated that most of Herington’s equipment does not meet the new standards.

County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf criticized the standards for overlooking rural departments’ operations, fearing closures if implemented. Both Avantagiato and Dockendorf stressed the need for practical standards that consider the unique challenges of rural fire departments.