Gary Curmode

I ran Cross Country in 1969 under Coach Herm Wilson; then, played basketball under Asst Coach Ron Heller, and Head Coach Gary Thompson in 1969, 1970, 1971, then, stayed out 1 semester under Harry Miller. Decided to go to work full-time on the Wichita Fire Dept., completing my Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education, Physical Education and a Minor in English. Went back and got an AA degree from Hutchinson Jr. College in 1976. Embarked on a Masters Program in Admin. of Justice (1981), and a Masters in Public Administration (1983). I was on the track team in 1973, under Herm Wilson also.

I had worked at the Eisenhower (Straightcreek Tunnel) Tunnel in 1970 at Loveland Pass. (Steve Moore, Bud Moore, Mike Boyd, myself, and 2 others shared apartments that summer in Silver Plume, Colorado. ) I came back in 1971, and worked the next summer at the Tunnel. It was hard, but, also, somewhat healing, even though it had been only about 8 mos. since the plane crash.
I have hiked up there about every 2 years, and stop at the Memorial along the I-70 highway, every year.

I got on the Wichita Fire Dept. and worked there. I left briefly in 1978, and went to Eagle-Vail Colorado, and worked on the fire dept. there, but, it was very expensive, and the lady I was dating was in Wichita. So, I gave it up, and got back to Wichita, working on EMS, and the Wichita Fire Dept.

I got married in 1981, and had 3 children. Divorced in 2002, single since. I have taught at Southwestern University, Webster University, Newman University, Butler Jr. College, Hutchinson Jr. College, and Wichita State University--part-time as an adjunct instructor.

I retired Jan. 17, 1995, and came on the Sedgwick County Fire Department as the fire chief, here presently.

I still run! Have done over 50 marathons, including 33 times at the Pikes Peak Marathon.

While at Wichita State University, I joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Members included: Steve Moore, Johnny Taylor, Glenn Kostal, Keith Morrison, Rick Stephens, Ron Johnson had been a pledge there at one time, and Roger McDowell (basketball team).

My memories that stood out were the Shocker athletics, I went to most events. Had some great classes with fellow Shocks! I always supported the football, XC and track team, and the basketball teams.

I am continuing to work, as I still have a passion for the fire service. Also, I have been asst cross country coach for 11 years at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, and 6 years as track asst coach. It is a good stress releaser, and I love working with kids, to make them achieve the best possible results under our tutelage.

(more on this later!) I am back!
I first met Steve Moore my senior year at East High in Wichita. He started dating Debby Grimm, my next door neighbor, and, a lady I knew since birth! I met Bud in 1970, about April or May; we worked for Stannard Construction at the airport, and then, pouring concrete on the Interstate from Wichita to Newton, until we left for Colorado in June, 1970. ( a sad note, Debby died in a car wreck two years later on her birthday, Oct. 25th, 1972). Two tough losses, but, all these men and women from 1970 were very tough losses.

On Wed., before the crash, I was leaving Ablah Library, and I saw Steve Moore sitting on the lawn at 17th and Hillside, SE corner. I pulled over and stopped. We talked to almost midnight. He talked about the season, and he felt it was going to be a very good one, and one to be remembered; also, he would probably marry Debby Grimm, after college and coach/teach. I told Steve my apprehension about my concern about making the basketball team, because I just had an appendictomy and could not do anything until the first day of basketball practice. He instilled in me "that I would make it, and to work hard". I can see that night as I write about it. When I made it, I thanked Steve for his confidence in me (even though he had passed). Steve roomed with Chris Flett, but, I have not seen Chris in almost 40 years; not sure where he went.

Other fraternity brothers on the football team: Ed Plopa, John Straka, Mike Plekki; great brothers/friends/football players.

Just remembered, also, in freshman or sophmore choir, I had Dvorak, Kellum, and a few other football and basketball players in there; needless to say, we had a blast. Could we sing? Hmmmmm.

(more later)

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