Kansas Fire House Adopts Stray Cat, Reversing Pet Ban Policy

A fire station in Wichita, Kansas, that previously had a strict no-pet policy has amended its rules to accommodate a stray cat named Bernice, who has made the station her home for up to two years. The Wichita Fire Department Station 5 has embraced the feline, who was discovered by firefighters entering the building through an open boiler room window to circulate air.

Bernice, whose exact age is unknown, has become a cherished member of the crew. Firefighters take turns providing her with food and care during each shift. The origin of her name came from a firefighter suggesting it during a moment of camaraderie, and the crew agreed to keep it.

The Wichita Police and Fire Foundation (WPFF) has created a special social media profile to honor "Firecat Bernice," noting that she is the foundation's first animal honoree. The WPFF stated that Bernice is free to come and go but is an integral part of the station's environment. Her contributions include keeping the station free of pests, with firefighters reporting she has caught mice, lizards, and even a bat.

Bernice has occasionally become an unofficial member of the team on calls, sometimes being found as a stowaway on returning fire trucks. The firefighters have noted that Bernice's presence serves as a comforting reminder of a late WFD firefighter, Ty Voth, who passed away two years prior. Her arrival a few months after Voth's death has been a source of comfort, and many firefighters who were not initially cat people have grown fond of her.

The community has responded positively to Bernice's story, with social media users expressing their appreciation for the fire department's decision to welcome her. Residents have shared supportive messages online, thanking the crew for taking Bernice in as part of their team.