TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire located at 1021 NE Jefferson St. Topeka, Kansas shortly before 08:00 AM on Sunday March 04, 2018. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire coming the first floor of the dwelling. One (1) occupant of the structure was able to be rescued from the interior by a roommate, prior to Fire Department arrival. This occupant sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other occupant was also transported for evaluation of smoke inhalation injuries.
A primary search for other occupants was conducted and the dwelling found to be empty. The fire was extinguished keeping it contained to the structure of fire origin, but not before the dwelling sustained substantial damage.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to assist in determining the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Undetermined; more likely than not accidental associated with a failure/malfunction of a wood burning stove.
- Estimated dollar loss – $6,600 (Six Thousand and Six Hundred Dollars); $5,600 to the structure and $1,000 to contents.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, Two (2) Truck Companies, Two (2) Battalion Chiefs and an Investigator.
- Other agencies assisting with this incident include American Medical Response, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
- Smoke alarms were present not within the structure.
The City of Topeka water system received notice on February 16th from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) stating that we went out of compliance on haloacetic acids (HAA), which is 1 of the 87 contaminants that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates for drinking water quality.
When disinfection (such as the use of chlorine) is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form compounds called disinfection byproducts (DBP). The EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of DBP in drinking water, including HAA. Compliance is based on the four-quarter average of sample results for each of the eight locations where HAA samples are collected in Topeka, called a locational running annual average (LRAA). The LRAA standard for any one location is 60 micrograms/liter. We received results on February 7th that showed 60.6 micrograms/liter at one location—all other locations were within the standard. According to our records this is the 1st time that The City of Topeka has been out of compliance for any drinking water standard.
This is not an emergency and customers do not need to seek an alternative water source such as bottled water. However, if you have specific health concerns please consult your doctor.
We are working with our consultant to evaluate and modify our water treatment process to avoid any future violations. The modifications to the treatment processes we are examining include the use of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and changes in our polymer. With the use of PAC and changes to the polymer we would be able to improve the removal of organics that cause the formation of HAA and provide improved taste and odor control. These process modifications would allow the City’s water treatment operators better control of the quality of water that is being delivered to our customers.
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is dedicated to providing clean and safe water to every customer, and we anticipate resolving this issue within 180 days. We will continue to keep you, the customer, informed as we move forward.
Please go to our City of Topeka website Topeka.org where we have crafted some FAQ’s.
If you have any other concerns regarding this incident please call
City of Topeka: 785-368-3111
February 26th, 2018 – The City of Topeka water system has levels of haloacetic acids (HAA) above drinking water standards.
Q: What does this mean?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for 87 different drinking water contaminants. The City of Topeka water system is out of compliance for one contaminant, which was haloacetic acids.
Q: What are Haloacetic Acids (HAA)?
A: HAA are disinfection byproducts that are formed when disinfectants used in our water treatment system, such as chlorine, react with naturally-occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water.
Q: What is the level of HAA in Topeka’s water?
A: The locational running annual average (LRAA), a four-quarter average of HAA sample results, has exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the Environmental Protection Agency at one of the eight (8) locations in the city. The MCL is 60 micrograms/liter. The one location that exceeded the MCL was 60.6 micrograms/liter.
Q: How much is 0.6 micrograms/liter?
A: Compared to the volume in an Olympic-size swimming pool (660,000 gallons), the volume of 0.6 micrograms/liter would less than 1/3 teaspoon.
Q: What do I need to do?
A: There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. No alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply is needed.
Q: Can I shower or wash my hands with tap water?
A: Yes, there is not a significant risk of haloacetic acids present in water being absorbed through the skin.
Q: Can I get sick from drinking the water? What are the health concerns?
A: If you have any specific health concerns, please consult your doctor. People who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Q: How long has the City of Topeka water had high levels of HAAs?
A: The City of Topeka has not been out of compliance with the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for HAA since the MCL was implemented in 1998. Test results from February 7th caused the four-quarter average HAA concentrations to exceed the MCL established by the EPA. The HAA levels exceeded the MCL of 60 micrograms/liter at only one test location.
Q: Where was the test location that exceeded the maximum contaminant level?
A: Northeast of 29th and Urish – 6650 SW Mission Valley Dr.
Q: What caused the City of Topeka to go out of compliance?
A: Given the configuration of our treatment facilities, the high organic load in the Kansas River and upstream reservoirs has resulted in an increase in disinfection byproducts.
Q: How long will the tap water have high levels of HAA?
A: We cannot give a definite timeline. The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate and make modifications to the water treatment process to ensure compliance in the future. We anticipate resolving this issue within 180 days.
Q: What is being done to correct the violation?
A: The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate the water treatment process to correct the issue and maintain the delivery of high-quality water.
Q: Can I buy a home treatment device to remove HAAs?
A: The City of Topeka cannot recommend a specific device, however to make a well informed decision we suggest you consider identifying a device that has been independently certified to remove haloacetic acids. NSF International, the Water Quality Association, Underwriters Laboratories and CSA International all certify home treatment products for removal of contaminants. The relevant haloacetic acid removal standards are NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53. If you choose to use a home treatment device, it is very important to follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions carefully to make sure the device works properly.
Q: Will the City be supplying bottled water to drink?
A: No, this is not an immediate health risk. You do not need to use an alternative water supply at this time.
Timeline:
February 7th – Results received from laboratory
February 8th – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contacted
February 16th – Official notice of violation from KDHE
February 26th – Press release and press conference
February 27th – Mailing of notice to public
*Per Kansas Department of Health & Environment – This is a Tier 2 violation for which public notice must be issued within thirty (30) days of receipt of violation notice from KDHE.
References / Additional Resources
The point-in-time count of homeless persons in Topeka took place on January 25th. In 2017 the Topeka Rescue mission saw a record number of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen an increase in homeless children and youth. There was an increase in the point-in-time count from last year. In 2017 there were 356 people experiencing homelessness, this year that number jumped to 419.
“The point-in-time count helps us to identify those people in need and to attain the resources that we need to help them,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “We want to thank all the volunteers who helped us with the count and who are helping to make this community better.”
The information gathered during the point-in-time count helps the City of Topeka understand the face of homelessness in the community so that we can make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons. This count also helps to raise public awareness surrounding issues with homelessness and measures the community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.
The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division has totaled the numbers from this year’s point-in-time count. This one day event produced a snapshot of individuals in our community experiencing homelessness. This data supports federal funding for both the Continuum of Care initiative and Housing and Urban Development.
- 419 People experiencing homelessness.
- 332 Households experiencing homelessness.
- 183 individuals have a serious mental illness.
- 153 individuals are chronically homeless.
- 66% of people were in an emergency shelter, 17% were in transitional housing and 15% were unsheltered.
Fifty-four individuals helped with the point-in-time homeless count, including thirty-eight community volunteers. Below is a chart that details and compares the numbers from 2017 and 2018.
2017 2018
| People | 356 | 419 |
| Households | 274 | 322 |
| % of single adults | 69 | 88 |
| % of adults with children | 31 | 12 |
| % of youth households | 3 | 7 |
| % of veteran households | 22 | 19 |
| People with serious mental illness | 161 | 183 |
| People who are chronically homeless | 119 | 153 |
| People with a substance abuse disorder | 58 | 69 |
| People who are victims of domestic violence | 93 | 34 |
| % in an emergency shelter | 74 | 66 |
| % in transitional housing | 16 | 17 |
| % unsheltered | 10 | 15 |
Homelessness in Kansas and across the country is on the rise. In the past year, the Topeka Rescue Mission has seen record numbers of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen large increases in homeless children and youth.
Now, more than ever, it is important for us to obtain the appropriate level of funding so that we can provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness. To receive funding for programs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to complete a point-in-time count of the homeless every year.
This year’s Point-In-Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 24 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“This is one of the important ways for Topeka to determine whether we are meeting the needs of persons experiencing homelessness,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. The information gathered will help Topeka to:
- Understand the face of homelessness within the community
- Make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons
- Raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness
- Measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness
Help us make sure that everyone is counted!
Persons who are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, please call 785-368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on January 29th, or drop by the Rescue Mission or Let’s Help and complete a survey that day. Interviewers will also be available at the City Offices – Holliday Building. 620 SE Madison, Holliday Conference Room from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 29th.
For more information, please contact: Nesha Rogers, Housing Director, Community Action, Inc., 785-235-9296
Bill Cochran will be continuing as Topeka’s permanent Police Chief effective immediately. He was named as the interim Police Chief on November 4th.
“After meeting with candidates, Bill rose up as the best candidate to be the Police Chief for the City of Topeka,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “Bill Cochran has done a wonderful job at the police department since starting as the interim Police Chief in November. I’m excited to see him continue the great work he has started and implement other innovative initiatives.”
Bill Cochran has worked with the Topeka Police Department for thirty one years, starting his service on July 13, 1987. Cochran has worked in several capacities at the Topeka Police Department including: homicide, traffic, patrol, field operations, and criminal investigations. Most recently Cochran has been serving as the Interim Police Chief.
“I am humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to serve the citizens of Topeka as the Chief of Police. I am also grateful that the Governing Body and City Manager have the faith in me to serve them in this capacity. The City of Topeka is my community and a community that I care dearly for,” said Cochran. “Serving as the Interim Police Chief over the past few months has given me the opportunity to initiate some changes within the Topeka Police Department. As the permanent chief I look forward to the opportunity to continue working on those changes.”
Cochran has also served in the Army National Guard from February 1985 until he retired as a First Lieutenant in July of 2005. He was deployed for thirteen months in Iraq from January 2004 to February of 2005. Cochran received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Washburn University in 1987 and his Masters of Business Administration from Friends University in 2010. Cochran is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Police Staff and Command School. Cochran’s salary as Police Chief will be $135,500.
City of Topeka Statement on Officer Involved Shooting
The members of the governing body extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dominique White – it is incredibly difficult to lose a family member and friend. The loss of a member of our community affects us all.
The City’s goals in connection with Mr. White’s death are simple and sincere: first, to make certain the death is thoroughly and fairly investigated; second, to determine whether the officers’ actions were consistent with the law and with city policies and procedures; and third, to consider whether City policies and procedures are appropriate.
Naturally, there has been a lot of media attention surrounding this case and the governing body understands the community’s desire to be provided with the details involving the events that occurred on September 28th. At this time, however, we believe that it is vital to the integrity of the criminal justice system to consistently follow the procedures currently in place.
By following the established procedure not to publicly release footage of the body worn camera, we might be accused of “protecting” the officers. However, we must look at this from a broader perspective. Release of such evidence outside of a trial setting – regardless of who is involved – has a tendency to encourage “trial by media,” cause prejudice and potentially taint a jury pool, which could affect the outcome in a criminal case.
To insure fairness and integrity, please note the following:
(1) The body worn camera footage will be shown to the administrator of Dominique White’s estate appointed by the court at the request of the family. (See KSA 45-254, reprinted at Attachment A). Family members are represented by various attorneys who have guided them through this process.
(2) If an officer or officers are charged or indicted, their names will become public. If no charges are brought, the names may be released at the conclusion of an internal investigation. In accordance with standard operating procedure, the officers involved were immediately placed on administrative leave and, as such, have had no law enforcement contact with the public since that time.
(3) The body worn camera footage may be released once a determination is made that the camera footage is in the public interest and will not interfere with any prospective law enforcement action, criminal investigation or prosecution. (See KSA 45-221(a)(10), reprinted at Attachment A). Members of the governing body have not viewed any criminal investigation records, including video from the body worn camera, as the governing body plays no role in criminal investigations.
The governing body has heard the requests for further community discussion and wholeheartedly agrees that public dialogue is essential. We have reached out to the Department of Justice for assistance in facilitating those efforts. We ask for your support and patience as the process unfolds.
Attachment A
Relevant Excerpts From the Kansas Open Records Act
I. Criminal investigation records. Criminal investigation records are exempt from open record requirements absent a court directing such records to be released. K.S.A. 45-221(a)(10) provides:
“(a) Except to the extent disclosure is otherwise required by law, a public agency shall not be required to disclose:
(10) Criminal investigation records, except as provided herein. The district court, in an action brought pursuant to K.S.A. 45-222, and amendments thereto, may order disclosure of such records, subject to such conditions as the court may impose, if the court finds that disclosure:
(A) Is in the public interest;
(B) would not interfere with any prospective law enforcement action, criminal investigation or prosecution;
(C) would not reveal the identity of any confidential source or undercover agent;
(D) would not reveal confidential investigative techniques or procedures not known to the general public;
(E) would not endanger the life or physical safety of any person; and
(F) would not reveal the name, address, phone number or any other information which specifically and individually identifies the victim of any sexual offense in article 35 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their repeal, or article 55 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.” (emphasis added)
II. Body worn cameras. K.S.A. 45-254 expressly provides that video taken by a law enforcement body worn camera is a “criminal investigation record.” This particular law was effective July 1, 2016, and will expire on July 1, 2021, unless reviewed and reenacted prior to that date. This will provide state legislators with five years of information on the practical effects of this law before it expires or is reenacted. This same law, K.S.A. 45-254, also allows specific individuals to view body worn camera videos:
A law enforcement agency shall allow the following persons to view a video recording:
1. The person who is the subject of the recording.[NA]
2. A parent/guardian of a person under 18 who is the subject of the recording. [NA – Dominique White was older than 18]
3. An attorney for (1) or (2). [Neither (1) or (2) apply so (3) does not apply either]
4. “An heir at law, an executor or an administrator of a decedent, when the decedent is a subject of the recording.”
The family of Dominique White has had an administrator appointed at this time.
For Immediate Release
November 12, 2017
2015 SW Fillmore Ave. Structure Fire Incident
TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department Responded to a structure fire located at 2015 SW Fillmore Ave., Topeka Kansas just before 01:00 AM on Sunday November 12, 2017. Upon arrival, fire crews found the single story wood framed residential structure with heavy smoke and flames showing from the rear. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and protected the surrounding structures. Shortly thereafter firefighters switched to a defensive fire attack. This was due in part to rapid fire progression and weakening structural integrity. Prior to moving to a defensive fire attack, firefighters performed a search of the structure and found no occupants.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to determine the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be Undetermined, pending further investigation.
- Estimated dollar loss – $25,000 (Twenty Five Thousand Dollars); All loss is associated with structure only.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, Two (2) Truck Companies, One (1) Battalion Chief, One (1) Shift Commander and an Investigator.
- Assisting agencies at this incident included the Topeka Police Department, Kansas Gas Service, and Westar Energy.
Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this fire are being asked to please contact Crime Stoppers at (785)234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Officer Involved Shooting
At approximately 0920 this morning, the Topeka Police Department responded to the 300 Blk of SE Lawrence regarding a report of a disturbance with shots fired in the area.
Officers responding encountered a suspicious person in the area. While investigating the individual, officers saw a handgun on their person. In the process of trying to secure the firearm, the individual struggled with officers and attempted to flee. While fleeing from officers, the individual reached for the pocket contacting the firearm, causing the officers to fire their weapons. The individual sustained life threatening injuries as a result.
Officers immediately provided medical assistance and summoned AMR who transported the individual to a local hospital where the subject was pronounced deceased. Identification will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
The individual’s gun was recovered from the scene. All parties believed to be involved in the incident have been identified and the public at large is not in danger.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Lawrence Police Department is conducting the investigation in the interest in transparency and at the request of Chief Kramer. The Shawnee County Sheriffs’ Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol also responded to assist the TPD with the incident.
The officers involved in the incident will not be identified at this time.
More information will be made available when possible.
Contact: Lawrence PD SGT Grady 785-218-0444