Around 8 o'clock Saturday night, a page went out to Argonia Volunteer Firefighters. Five young adults were stuck on a raft, trapped in the raging currents at the swollen Chikaskia River dam. They were not wearing life jackets.

Kevin Catlin was the first responder on the scene. He said he knew the situation was too much for their crews to handle on their own, so crews from Wellington were called and arrived a short time after.

Wellington Fire Fighters arrived and immediately put their boat in the water, but instead of things getting better, the situation continued to grow worse.

The boat with three Wellington Fire Fighters capsized. Now eight people were trapped in the waters of the roaring river in need of rescue.

"We asked Wichita crews come down and assist us, and we greatly appreciate them," said Catlin.

Before they arrived, a former volunteer firefighter from Argonia braved the terrifying currents trying to save those in harm's way. The currents proved too strong. 47 year-old Dennis Rhoads was pulled from the strong waters and was taken to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita where he died a short time later.

"You could call it heroism," said Catlin. "Our prayers go to the family and I'm sure the whole city is behind me on that one," he said.

A fund has been set up by the Fire Department to honor the life and memory of the town's fallen hero. For more information on this fund you can contact the Argonia Fire Department.

Firefighters like Kevin Catlin also want to remind the public to always wear a life jacket when on the water. If the waters are swollen and rapid, do not go in. It's just too dangerous, he says.

"Not only are you putting your life in danger," he says, "But you're putting the lives of the rescue workers in danger as well."

The pictures below are courtesy of Craig Hacker, with permission from the Wichita Fire Department.