Harland Priddle, the state’s first Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Agriculture, has died. He was 93. Priddle was born in Hutchinson and grew up on a farm near Haven. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1953, Priddle enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent 22 years before retiring as a Colonel in July 1974. He served seven years overseas assignments and nine years in Washington D.C. including tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. He also served in the White House as Deputy Commander of the White House Communications Agency for the President at the White House in Washington D.C. for four years from 1970-1974, according to his obituary. He participated in the planning and execution of over two hundred presidential trips, including three international trips to Europe and Asia. He received nineteen awards and decorations including the Bronze Star for duties in Southeast Asia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Service Badge, two Legions of Merit, the Presidential Service Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation. Priddle was also the first person in Kansas history to serve as both Kansas Secretary of Commerce and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. In a statement on social media, Governor Laura Kelly said Priddle was “a true Kansas legend,” and that “He embodied what it meant to be a public servant, and his contributions will continue to live on for future generations.” Priddle died peacefully in his home in McAlester, Oklahoma on December 12, 2023. He is survived by his wife of over 75 years, Winifred, and his three children Valorie Ann Dick and her husband William, Harland Gregory Priddle and his wife Ann and Kevin Eugene Priddle and his wife Michelle. 10 grandchildren: Angela Dick Akamine and her husband Andres, Aubrey Dick White and her husband Jacob, Jonathan Dick and his wife Lara, Crystal Dick Langdon and her husband Bryan, Shalerie Priddle Headley and her husband Jon, Shalise Priddle Quinlan and her husband Patrick, Shalaine Priddle Alexander and her husband Keaton, Kate Priddle, Tyler Moore (step grandson) and James Bean (step grandson). He had 16 great-grandchildren.
Source: KAKE – News

The Andover fire department is being honored with the 2023 Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award for one of its fire crews heroic actions and dedication when working a house fire earlier this year. It was May 1st when fire fighters were heading to a home that was already full of smoke and flames. While heading there they found out there were two people who were trapped. A man and a woman, both with limited mobility. “It’s what we do; we just adapt to the conditions and situations that we have,” said Chad Cheslik who was the supervisor for the crew of six people working the house fire that day. He explains because of the circumstances they weren’t able to respond to the house fire how they normally do so he had to think and act quickly. Other agencies like Wichita, Sedgwick County, and Rose Hill were sending additional help but Cheslik says there was no time to waste. He and his crew immediately sprung into action, searching the burning house to find the two people and pull them out. “It was extremely hot. We were crawling on our bellies trying to get through, but we knew at that point we weren’t going to make it all the way through the house so we decided to back out and vest through the back window and found her in her bedroom,” he said. The state Fire Marshall’s Office says typically a search and rescue isn’t going above and beyond but because of the conditions and circumstances the fire fighters were working in it describes this rescue as exceptional. While the department is honored to receive the award for a second year in a row Cheslik says it isn’t all celebration. “Unfortunately there was one lost and our hearts go out to the family. So, it’s something you don’t take lightly,” he said.  Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell says he’s incredibly proud of every single crew member. He says they train tirelessly to prepare for situations like this one and so many others and they care deeply. “As soon as the bell rings they fly into action because seconds count and this is a great example of that,” he explains. The award is given to a fire fighter or crew that goes above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. Throughout the year nominations are submitted and looked at by the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Kansas State Firefighter’s Association.
Source: KAKE – News