By Trish Svoboda

In compliance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags across Kansas be lowered to half-staff from dawn to dusk on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. This is to pay tribute to Deputy Chief Eric B’Hymer of the Iola Fire Department and Greg Rausch, a firefighter and paramedic from Emporia.

“Eric B’Hymer and Greg Rausch dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the people of Iola and Emporia,” Governor Kelly said. “The impact they made on their communities will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences go out to their families and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Deputy Chief B’Hymer, who served the Iola Fire Department for 24 years, lost his life on May 14 after bravely combating a service-related illness.

Rausch, a dedicated firefighter and paramedic with the Emporia Fire Department for 14 years, passed away on May 16 due to a service-connected illness he had been fighting since 2023.