Statement from Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister following the Sunday night fire at the home of William and Lois Strauss. The Strauss family was not injured, but there was extensive damage to their home at 1512 South Spring Valley Road.

Mayor Mick McCallister:

What kind of community do you live in?

Let me tell what kind of community I live in.

Sunday evening just after supper I was sitting in my living room when I heard a loud explosion. I jumped to my feet to look out the front door and saw our neighbor’s house on fire. I turned and told my wife to call 911, Strauss’s house was on fire. As I was putting on my shoes as my son Adam ran by me in a tee shirt and boxers towards the neighbor’s house. I followed and by the time I got there Adam was helping Bill out of the house. A passerby and I help Lois to a car to provide aid and comfort. She stayed with Lois for more than two hours.

Within two minutes the Fire Department and Police Department were arriving on scene. As I looked over the scene I observed many passerby’s stopping to give what aid they could. I then recognized there were others from the neighborhood that were helping….Jerome Thomas ( Grandview Plaza Fire Chief ) who had been visiting his daughter two houses away, Trey Morgan, Jerome’s son in law, Jason Haslouer–off duty Junction City firefighter three houses away, a Geary Community Hospital anesthetist from two blocks away, Kyle Bergman–off duty Junction City firefighter two houses away, and many who stopped and asked if they could help. I may have left out some others I didn’t recognize but thank you…really thank you.

The First Responders were very organized and methodical. Setting up lines to fight the fire, entering the

structure to take offensive control, ladders being placed to begin attack from above, lines laid to the back of the home where the explosion occurred.

I was proud of how quickly and professionally these heroes worked together. Very little was being said but actions were orchestrated like a well trained machine.

Chief Kevin Royse gave the residents a pamphlet with information of how and who to contact. In a chaotic moment for the residents that information was instrumental and valuable. He told the residents that they would try to do their very best not to cause any further damage as possible to ensure the fire was out and was no longer a danger. However, the kitchen was destroyed. he was going to call in an investigator to piece the cause together as the barbecue had exploded and left pieces as far away as 40 yards from the home.

The First Responders were still on scene four hours after the flames had been put out to ensure there was were no further hot spots to rekindle.

That’s what kind of community I live in. Where neighbors, strangers, off duty professionals all respond to the needs of their fellow citizens in times of need and danger. I am so proud of this community. Know that if you are in danger there are those that live near you that will give all to help.

I am especially proud of my son who in a tee shirt and boxers entered a burning house without regard of his own health to help a neighbor.

We live in the greatest country in the world and I live in the greatest community.

Mayor Mick McCallister