Kansas City, Missouri, October 25, 2025
News Summary
A Kansas City Fire Department captain has been charged with first-degree harassment and misdemeanor assault following an alleged attack on a fellow firefighter during a soccer match. John Zach Ising, 44, who has served in the department since 2002, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Investigations reveal a concerning trend of criminal behavior tolerated within KCFD, raising questions about the department’s internal accountability and culture. Current investigations include multiple incidents involving KCFD members with serious criminal charges, indicating a potential systemic issue.
Kansas City
A captain from the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) has been charged with first-degree harassment and misdemeanor assault following an alleged attack on a fellow firefighter during a soccer match. John Zach Ising, aged 44, is accused of striking the victim forcefully from behind at CPKC Stadium on March 16, 2024. The victim, a firefighter from Station 25, reported experiencing severe pain that required both medical and mental health treatment.
Ising, who has been with the KCFD since February 11, 2002, and has an annual salary of $112,869, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
This incident is not isolated. An ongoing investigation reveals a troubling pattern within the KCFD, where employees have faced serious criminal charges—including fatal crashes, felony drug cases, and multiple DWIs—yet have continued to serve without significant disciplinary action, supported by a powerful labor union. The Star has initiated an investigative project using an AI tool to reveal KCFD employees with criminal records, indicating a potential cultural issue within the department.
In addition to Ising’s case, other serious incidents involving KCFD members have come to light. One firefighter faced charges for sodomy and rape in 2023 but pleaded guilty to harassment and received a three-year probation sentence instead. Another captain was allowed to remain employed despite having four DUI arrests on record, and a former firefighter was involved in an assault at Station 27, which required intervention from coworkers. Additionally, a captain is currently facing charges related to another incident of harassment and assault that caused substantial physical pain to a colleague.
The probable cause statement for Ising’s case indicates a history of workplace harassment over the past two years, supported by witness testimonies. Observers reported that Ising exhibited bullying behavior, even laughing after the assault, raising concerns among his peers. Following the incident, Ising reportedly sent messages to witnesses attempting to downplay the event and referring to it as a past prank.
KCFD spokesperson Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins confirmed that Ising is still serving as a captain within the department, but he could not provide further details regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
The investigation remains active, with police interviewing multiple witnesses who have testified to Ising’s behavior and the distress it has caused the victim.
Key Incidents Involving KCFD Members
- A firefighter charged with sodomy and rape in 2023, later convicted of harassment.
- A captain allowed to remain in service despite four DUI arrests.
- A former firefighter engaged in an assault that required intervention from coworkers.
- A captain currently facing charges for another harassment incident.
Conclusion
The developments surrounding John Zach Ising and other KCFD employees illustrate a troubling trend of criminal behavior that has allegedly been tolerated by the department. The outcomes of these cases may prompt a reevaluation of KCFD’s internal policies and the accountability of its members.
FAQ Section
What are the charges against KCFD Captain John Zach Ising?
Ising faces charges of first-degree harassment and misdemeanor assault for an alleged assault on a fellow firefighter.
When did the incident involving Ising occur?
The incident occurred on March 16, 2024, during a soccer match at CPKC Stadium.
What is the maximum penalty Ising could face if convicted?
If convicted, Ising faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
How long has Ising been with the KCFD?
Ising has been with the KCFD since February 11, 2002.
What is Ising’s annual salary?
Ising earns an annual salary of $112,869.
What has the ongoing investigation revealed about the KCFD?
It reveals a pattern of serious criminal charges among employees, including fatal crashes and felony drug cases, indicating a potential culture of protection from serious discipline.
Key Features of KCFD Incidents
| Incident Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Ising | First-degree harassment and misdemeanor assault |
| Incident Date | March 16, 2024 |
| Maximum Penalty | Four years in prison, $10,000 fine |
| Time with KCFD | Since February 11, 2002 |
| Salary | $112,869 |
| Investigation Findings | Pattern of serious criminal charges among employees |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Kansas City Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Assault
Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Firefighters Battle Apartment Fire
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Kansas City Star: Local News
- Google Search: Kansas City Fire Department
- Fox4KC: Massive Fire at Apartments
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Fire Department incidents
- KCTV5: Residents Must Vacate for Redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Fox4KC: Fire Captain Alleges Retaliation
- Google News: Kansas City Fire Department lawsuits
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
