Lunch & Learn Featuring Guest Speaker Gary Bowker
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Join the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum for an engaging Lunch & Learn featuring Fire Marshal and Chaplain Gary Bowker of the Arkansas City Fire & EMS Department. With more than 52 years of service in the fire profession, Chief Bowker has dedicated his life to protecting communities, training firefighters, and advancing fire safety across Kansas and the nation.
During this fascinating presentation, Chief Bowker will share the history of the Arkansas City Fire Department, explain the responsibilities of a Fire Marshal, and offer an inside look at the science of fire and arson investigations. Learn how investigators examine a fire scene, identify critical evidence, and determine a fire's origin and cause. He will also discuss his role as department chaplain and the important support provided to firefighters and their families during times of crisis.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, former Fire Chief, nationally certified fire investigator, and longtime instructor with the University of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute, Chief Bowker brings decades of real-world experience and stories that are both educational and inspiring. Today, he continues serving the community as Fire Marshal for his hometown of Arkansas City.
Whether you're interested in local history, public safety, emergency services, or simply enjoy learning from remarkable people in our community, this is a program you won't want to miss.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m. (Doors open slightly earlier)
Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum
31639 US-77 • Arkansas City, KS
Tickets: $10 per person | $5 Museum Members (Lunch included)
During this fascinating presentation, Chief Bowker will share the history of the Arkansas City Fire Department, explain the responsibilities of a Fire Marshal, and offer an inside look at the science of fire and arson investigations. Learn how investigators examine a fire scene, identify critical evidence, and determine a fire's origin and cause. He will also discuss his role as department chaplain and the important support provided to firefighters and their families during times of crisis.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, former Fire Chief, nationally certified fire investigator, and longtime instructor with the University of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute, Chief Bowker brings decades of real-world experience and stories that are both educational and inspiring. Today, he continues serving the community as Fire Marshal for his hometown of Arkansas City.
Whether you're interested in local history, public safety, emergency services, or simply enjoy learning from remarkable people in our community, this is a program you won't want to miss.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m. (Doors open slightly earlier)
Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum
31639 US-77 • Arkansas City, KS
Tickets: $10 per person | $5 Museum Members (Lunch included)
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Where is it happening?
Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, 31639 US Highway 77,Arkansas City, Kansas, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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