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KCK firefighter seriously injured in 25-foot fall while assisting police investigation

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UPDATE | According to the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department, the firefighter's surgery was successful. He will need additional surgeries for his arms and legs.

The department said the firefighter's family is "appreciative of the overwhelming support received up to this point.

ORIGINAL STORY | A Kansas City, Kansas, firefighter suffered serious injuries from a fall while on duty Friday.

The department said the incident happened near South 55th Street and Kansas Avenue.

According to a spokesperson, the firefighter fell 25 feet to the ground through a roof.

About two hours before, a worker had fallen through the same roof and is in serious condition at the hospital.

KCKFD said the roof of the building involved was made of corrugated material and contained sun-weathered skylights that blended into the roof. A worker on the roof stepped on and fell through one of the skylights that they could not distinguish at around 8:45 a.m.

Around 10:30 a.m., firefighters were called back to bring an aerial truck so that police could take photos to document the scene.

While on the roof helping police investigate the worker's fall around 11 a.m., the firefighter was unable to see a different skylight and fell through as well.

KCKFD has notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The department will also conduct an internal investigation immediately, speaking with everyone involved.

A spokesperson for the KCK Police Department confirmed police are not investigating since no crimes were committed.

KCKFD said doctors report the firefighter is in serious but stable condition with a good prognosis and long recovery ahead.

The firefighter is a 19-year veteran of the department.