Steve Moody, Beloved Salina Firefighter and Community Leader, Dies at 68

Steve Moody, a 38-year veteran of fire and emergency services who served communities across Kansas with distinction, passed away on March 3, 2026. He was 68 years old.

Moody, who grew up in Salina and graduated from Salina Central High School, built a career defined by selfless service. He rose through the ranks to become Interim Fire Chief of the Salina Fire Department, then went on to serve as Fire Chief in Leavenworth, Emergency Management Director of Stafford County, and Fire Chief in El Dorado.

He is survived by his wife of nearly five decades, Rosie; sons Matthew and Weston; daughters-in-law Erin and Kiley; five grandchildren — Macoy, Vienna, Lennyn, Amaia, and Grayson; step-father Dave Divilbiss; and brothers Mike Moody, Tim Green, and Dan Divilbiss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosemary Divilbiss and David Moody.

Moody had battled Lewy Body dementia for 12 years. Born July 12, 1957, in Salina, he lived a life of quiet courage — facing the disease with the same steadiness he brought to every fire scene and every community he served.

Away from the job, Moody was known equally for his character — quick with a laugh, never too tired to play catch with his sons, and always the first to help a neighbor or a stranger in need.

Moody donated his body to the University of Kansas Medical Center for medical research.

A vigil will be held Wednesday, March 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Hall. The funeral will follow Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of the Universe, 230 E. Cloud, Salina.