WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Retired Battalion Chief Robert (Bob) Thompson died on Sunday, the City of Wichita announced. Thompson was 76 years old.

Thompson retired from the Wichita Fire Department in 2016 after serving 35 years, many in the Fire Prevention Division.

He began his career with the WFD in February 1981.

Thompson was also the first Black man to portray Windwagon Smith, the ceremonial leader of Riverfest. He served as Windwagon Smith in 2003. There has been one Black Windwagon Smith since then, Kaye Monk Morgan in 2022.

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