June 21, 2006

Governor’s appointees work to honor fallen Kansas firefighters
Sebelius names members to Kansas Firefighters Memorial Advisory Committee

To help Kansas pay tribute to fallen firefighters, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Richard Barr and Vicki Zielinski to the Kansas Firefighters Memorial Advisory Committee.

“Firefighters face tremendous danger in their jobs and serve their communities with courage and commitment,” said Sebelius. “Sadly, some of these men and women fall in the line of duty, which is why it’s critical we honor these heroes for their efforts to save the lives of their fellow Kansans.”

The Kansas Firefighters Memorial Advisory Committee advises the Secretary of Administration and the Director of Facilities Management concerning the planned memorial to Kansas Firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol. The committee also makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding the recognition of firefighters in Kansas.

Barr, Lawrence, became a firefighter in 1977 and has been the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Marshal since 1985. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators. Barr has been a member of the Regional Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee for the American Heart Association since 1999.

Zielinski, Topeka, has over four years of experience in fire inspection and five years of experience in arson investigation, as well as firefighting and EMT experience. She currently works as an inspector for the Topeka Fire Department, and also worked as the City of Topeka Fire Marshal from 2004 to 2005.

Both appointees will serve at the pleasure of the Governor.