James Austin

• Firefighter
• Wichita Fire Department
• Kansas
• Year of Death: 1968

On November 21, 1968, a fire was reported at the Yingling Chevrolet Company, located at English and Topeka, around 8:30 pm. Six minutes after responding, several firefighters were trapped when the roof suddenly collapsed, killing Firefighter James Austin. Fire Chief Tom McGaughey, Chief Inspector Merle Wells and Firefighter Dale Mishler were also killed in the collapse.

This firefighter line of duty fatality occurred before the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was built in Emmitsburg, Maryland. While this firefighter has not been officially honored at the Memorial site, there are plans to do so when resources are available.