Emergency medical crews from Reno County EMS and Winfield Fire/EMS are stationed in Augusta today to provide coverage for Butler County EMS as local personnel attend the funeral of a fallen colleague.
The deployment is part of a coordinated response under Kansas EMS Region III, with multiple agencies stepping in to support Butler County. The temporary coverage allows Butler County EMS staff the opportunity to mourn the loss of Paramedic Justin Lauppe, who died in the line of duty on May 16.
“It is a privilege to support our brothers and sisters in their moment of need,” the Reno County EMS Facebook post said. “We are honored to take their place in the 911 system today so they may honor one of their own.”
Reno County EMS emphasized that normal operations at home are unaffected, as the crew serving in Augusta volunteered while off duty.
Emergency services across Kansas continue to stand in solidarity with Butler County EMS during this time of grief, highlighting the deep bonds within the first responder community.