Ty Voth Death, Obituary – The Wichita Fire Department and the broader community are mourning the loss of 27-year-old firefighter Ty Voth, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty during a house fire in south Wichita. Fire Chief Snow, speaking on Friday morning, highlighted Ty’s heroic spirit, saying, “He lived as a hero, he died as a hero, and he will be remembered as a hero.”
Ty Voth, a dedicated firefighter and a 2015 graduate of Newton High School, had been with the Wichita Fire Department since 2019. Prior to that, he started his career with the Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) in 2017, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Manhattan Fire Captain Kyle Voth. Ty’s commitment to serving his community was deeply rooted in his family’s tradition of firefighting.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a fire broke out at a house on south Laura Drive, east of I-35 near 95th Street. The intensity of the blaze necessitated assistance from neighboring fire districts, including Wichita. Chief Snow recounted the harrowing events, explaining that Ty and his crew responded to a call reporting heavy fire.
They bravely entered the home, extinguishing much of the blaze. However, a significant fire near the roof spread to the porch area, where Ty sustained fatal injuries while valiantly fighting the flames. The news of Ty’s passing has deeply impacted his fellow firefighters and the community. On Friday morning, a gathering of city officials and firefighters was marked by tears and hugs as they remembered Ty’s life and service. His loss resonates profoundly within the fire department, which views itself as a close-knit family.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed her condolences on social media, acknowledging the sacrifice of all law enforcement officers. “The death of any law enforcement officer is a tragedy,” she stated. “A generational firefighter, Ty Voth devoted his life to protecting and serving his community, and we owe him a debt of gratitude. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and colleagues at the Wichita Fire Department.”
The Wichita Fire Department also released a heartfelt statement, praising Ty’s selflessness and dedication. “He was selfless, dedicated and always put others before himself,” the statement read. “Our fire department is family, and this loss is felt deeply by us all. We will share details on honoring Ty’s life as they become available.” As the community comes to terms with this tragic loss, plans are underway to honor Ty Voth’s legacy and service. His bravery and dedication will not be forgotten, and he will forever be remembered as a hero by those who knew him and the community he served.