Captain Urban A. Eck was a 27-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department. He was injured while working at a two alarm building fire on December 13‚ 2009. He died on January 2‚ 2010.
Captain Eck was 51 and is survived by his wife‚ Lori‚ and their eight children.
Captain Eck was hired by the Wichita Fire Department on March 29‚ 1982‚ and was assigned to Station 11 at 1845 George Washington Boulevard. He was promoted to lieutenant in November 1989 and to captain in January 1994. He also served the community as a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Captain Eck was one of several Wichita Fire Department firefighters recognized by Firehouse Magazine for his courageous efforts during a 2008 house fire.
Captain Eck is remembered by all who knew him as a leader. In 2010‚ he was posthumously named Firefighter of the Year for his years of dedication to the fire service and the community.
‘Urban was a dedicated public servant and outstanding fire officer‚’ Chief Ronald D. Blackwell said. ‘He was always there for the public and for his fellow firefighters in times of need. He will be sorely missed.’
R.I.P. Urban. I will always remember your kindness & friendship. It did not matter that we didn’t run in the same circle of friends, or how long it had been since we had seen each other. You always took the time to stop & say hello, always with a smile & handshake. These may be small jesters, but, they left an impression on me. By these things I know you were a great husband, father, brother, uncle & friend. Also I know that these things made you a great fireman & leader, because you cared about people. You will be missed by all those that knew you.
– Mark PeltzerUrban was a man’s man and a great firefighter. He was a great teacher and someone any firefighter would be very comfortable knowing he had your back. He left this world way too soon. His family can rest assured he will truly be missed. RIP Urban Eck!
– Marty Marshall