NEFF_July2025

WWW.NSVFA.ORG The Official Publication of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association

REACHING MORE THAN 8 , 50 0 NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTERS EACH MONTH July 2025 • Vol. 18 - No. 9

Firefighters train on extinguishing a propane fire at 2025 Nebraska Fire School, which was held May 16-18 in Grand Island. See many more fire school training photos inside this issue. Photo by Taylor Anderson.

THANK YOU CENTRAL CITY ON YOUR RECENT DELIVERY OF YOUR

ROSENBAUER PUMPER

To learn more, contact your local Heiman sales partner or visit

SHELLIE RATHJEN

North & Western Nebraska

308.385.8735

JUSTIN SCHACK

Southern Nebraska

402.630.3211 DAVE BRUNNETTE Southeast MN

612.875.1103

2 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

NE Firefighters firefighters Museum museum & Education education Center center The Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage, dedication, and daily heroism and sacrifice of firefighters across our state.

Every department, no matter its size or location, has a story worth telling.

When you visit the Museum in Kearney, you’ll experience a family-friendly atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and stories of Nebraska’s firefighting history. As you step through the doors, you’ll discover antique fire engines, historic apparatus from across Nebraska, vintage uniforms, and a diverse collection of equipment and photographs that span the decades, reaching back to the very beginning of firefighting in Nebraska.

No collection or story is ever complete. With that in mind, we are focusing on the future to ensure the past is preserved through the creation of a digital archive.

We invite all fire departments and EMS providers in Nebraska - volunteer, paid, combination, large, or small - to help us create a more complete and authentic record of your incredible work by sharing the highest quality

photos you may have of your department’s activities and service calls.

We are seeking digital images that capture the entire life of a firefighter. This would include fire calls such as structure, grass, wildland, and vehicle fires. We want to show your EMS and rescue calls, such as car accidents, medical assists, and water rescues (with respect to the victims, their faces will not be shown). We are also interested in showcasing your training exercises and drills, community events, public education programs, parades, and outreach, as well as your department traditions, awards, ceremonies, and milestones. Your photos help us tell the powerful story of Nebraska’s fire service in action and show the heart and dedication of those who answer the call.

To ensure the best possible presentation, we ask that you submit the highest quality digital files available (preferably .jpg, .png, or .tif formats) and include your department’s name along with a brief description of each photo. Please note the date, location, and a short caption whenever possible. If known, please identify any individuals featured

Classifieds

in the photos so we can give appropriate credit and context.

These photos may be featured in our exhibits, educational materials, social media content, and online galleries, always with proper credit given to your department. This is a wonder-

If you have it and don’t need it...

SELL IT!

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER NEWSPAPER

Classified ads run $10 for the first 10 words, and 25 cents a word after that. A photo is $10 additional. Rates are the same in each state (Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas).

Email the ad to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com to place your personal or departmental ads.

Nebraska Firefighter Classifieds... jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com

CONTACT YOUR HEIMAN FIRE PARTNER TO SCHEDULE A DEMO! SHELLIE RATHJEN

North & Western Nebraska

308.385.8735

JUSTIN SCHACK

Southern Nebraska

402.630.3211

ful opportunity to showcase the incredible work of Nebraska’s firefighters every day and to inspire future generations of first responders. Please email your photos and accompanying information to MAIL@NEFFM. ORG. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at the same address.

Thank you for helping us preserve the proud legacy of Nebraska’s fire service and for the

vital role you play in keeping our communities safe. Together, we can ensure that the courage, commitment, and dedication of our firefighters are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

JENNIFER SLATER, Director Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center

Upcoming Events

Email your Upcoming Event by the 10th of the previous month (ex. Aug. 10 for the September issue) to jeff@ne- braskafirefighter.com . There is no charge.

JULY 10, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Scottsbluff (Rural).

JULY 12, 2025: Step Up and Lead, Leadership and Team Building Seminar by Deputy Chief (Ret.) Frank Viscuso, 0900-1300, hosted by Glenwood Fire Association at the Glenwood High School Auditorium, 504 East Sharp St., Glenwood. Cost $50. Registration information: Chief Matt Grey 712-310-6026 mgray@ glenwoodfire.us .

JULY 19, 2025: Annual Bob Tichota Fire Prevention Fun Day, hosted by East Central Nebraska Fire Prevention Co-op, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fremont State Lakes.

JULY-19-20, 2025: SFM Training Division – Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting for Structural Company Officers (F0610), 715 S. Jeffers, North Platte.

JULY 20, 2025: Bradshaw Rural Fire Department 4th Annual Bulldog Classic, Galaway Creek Golf Course, Henderson, NE, two person scramble, 18 holes and lunch provided. 11 a.m.-12 noon meal, 12 p.m. shotgun start. Proceeds will go to equipment updates.

AUG. 9-10, 2025: SFM – Training Division Course - Incident Command Systems for Structural Collapse Incidents (F0322) Course, Epply Airfield, 5111 Boeing Ct, Omaha.

SEPT. 20, 2025: McCool Volunteer Fire Department 3rd Annual Rib Cookoff, all you can eat ribs at 5 p.m., Main Street, McCool.

Free will donation, all proceeds go to McCool Volunteer Fire Department. Team info – Judges turn in at 3 p.m. Live Music by The Blue Collar Band. Contact Adam Beck to sign up 402-724-8030.

SEPT. 21, 2025: 2025 Fall Firefighters Memorial Service.

OCT. 9, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).

OCT. 16-18, 2025: NSVFA Annual Conference, Kearney.

JAN. 8, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).

MAR. 21, 2026: 10th Annual Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave., York, NE. Speaker will be Chief Doug Cline.

APR. 9, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Alliance.

JULY 9, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Banner County.

OCT. 8, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Bayard.

July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 3

Tying Knots Without Tying Up the Class

By COLE KLEINWOLTERINK

During Firefighter 1 class, teaching firefighter knots is a necessary but often challenging topic to teach in a large group setting.

If your experience was anything like mine, the instructor stood at the front of the classroom with a rope, demonstrating how to tie each knot. Then the students would attempt to tie the knot on their own—some grasping it quickly, others struggling and requiring individual help from the instructor. This approach typically left half the class bored because they were already proficient, while the other half felt frustrated or anxious as the rest of the group waited for them to catch up.

Every class seems to have a couple of “Eagle Scouts” who can tie every knot underwater and behind their back, while at the same time, there’s always at least one new firefighter handling rope for the very first time. With such a wide range of experience in a class of 20-30 students, it can be difficult for an instructor to effectively engage everyone at the same time.

That’s exactly the challenge I faced when I was asked, lastminute, to teach knots to a Firefighter 1 class of 25 students after the scheduled instructor had to step away due to a family emergency. Naturally, I was a bit anxious. As I began preparing, an idea struck me. These days, if you don’t know how to do something, there’s almost always a YouTube video to show you how. I figured there would

be plenty of videos demonstrating how to tie firefighter knots, and sure enough, there were.

Since I would be the only instructor in the room, I decided to take a different approach than the one described above. I selected a high-quality YouTube video for each required knot and used an online QR code generator to create QR codes linking to those videos. I then created a handout for each knot, which included the QR code and a photo of the finished knot. (Copies of these handouts are available under the Resources tab on the IFA Training Article Archive website: tinyurl.com/mwty7p7m) When class began, I divided the students into small groups of 3-4 and provided them with strands of rope and a packet containing the QR codes. Using their phones, students scanned the QR codes and practiced tying the knots at their own pace following along with the videos.

Additionally, I showed them how to slow the videos down to half or three-quarters speed for easier learning.

In these small groups, the more experienced students—the “Eagle Scouts”—naturally took on teaching roles, helping their classmates who were struggling.

Meanwhile, this format freed me up to work one-on-one with those needing extra guidance, without making the entire class wait to move on. As the session progressed, I identified the strongest students and encouraged them to float around the room and assist other groups.

Once a group of students be-

gan feeling confident in tying the knots, we moved into the next phase: using those knots to hoist various tools such as axes, pike poles, and ladders. Again, I incorporated video-based instruction, utilizing skill videos from the Essentials 7 app. Again, this allowed for additional one-onone coaching and gave students plenty of hands-on practice.

Ultimately, this self-paced, video-supported approach proved highly effective for teaching knots to a large class with diverse

skill levels. It allowed students to progress at their own speed, while also fostering peer teaching and collaborative learning which created a supportive and engaging classroom environment.

This experience reminded me of the importance of staying flexible and open to new teaching methods as an instructor. While this approach wouldn’t necessarily fit every Firefighter 1 topic, the combination of technology, self-paced learning, and peer in-

struction proved to be an excellent strategy for teaching knots.

It’s an approach I will definitely use again.

Cole Kleinwolterink is a member of the Waukee Fire Department, Granger Fire Department, and Fire Science instructor at Des Moines Area Community College. Feel free to reach out to him at kleinwolterinkc@gmail. com with any questions, comments or inquiries.

Ellsworth Annual Training Includes SD and NE National Guards On June 9, large smoke plumes engulfed the air surrounding the west side of Ellsworth Air Force Base. It wasn’t a real emergency.

The smoke was part of the Ellsworth Fire Department’s annual fire training which included both the South Dakota and Nebraska National Guard.

“This is exciting, challenging and real-world training that the soldiers enjoy doing and this is what prepares us best for when real world fire emergencies take place,” said the commanding officer for the Nebraska Army National Guard firefighter teams, Andrew Walton.

Approximately 30 firefighters from the guard were put through a downed aircraft fire simulation.

“This is especially useful when you have a large fire that you can’t really approach very well on foot,” said the lead firefighter for the South Dakota Army National Guard, Clayton Spencer.

“So, you kind of knock it down a little bit, and then you’re able to get a little bit closer and then pull the hand lines off. And then you can do some more work once you get off.”

On windy days like Monday, Spencer said the wind can pose as a challenge, but it can also be used as a tool. “In this case, we fight upwind of the fire, and it

helps us push the fire to a certain spot, then you can target it better,” said Spencer.

“We’ve got a bunch fuel spilled in there, and then we always try to push it away from the civilians’ escape route,” said a firefighter for the Nebraska National

Guard, Laura Dietz. “So, we’d go from the front of the plane, pushing it to the back, using the wind kind to our advantage.”

Walton said this is the first time both the South Dakota and Nebraska National Guard fire teams have collaborated here on

base. “It’s allowed us to work alongside the South Dakota firefighter teams, get to know them and build that connection as well,” said Walton.

Through the training, Walton wants to ensure soldiers can evaluate a fire scene and commu-

nicate effectively and are familiar with the materials and equipment they’re working with.

The Ellsworth Air Force Base live fire training ran from Saturday through Monday.

4 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

Training Division Part-time instructor Spotlight This month’s part-time instructor spotlight is Amy Kurtzer or as most of know her by is – AJ. Instructor Kurtzer began working for the Training Division in 2015 in the Southeast region with Training Coordinator Dennis Baber. AJ enjoys teaching all classes for the Training Division but if given an opportunity always likes to teach auto extrication and emergency vehicle operations.

AJ is a member of the Cortland Fire & Rescue where she serves as the training officer and is also a member of the Hallam Fire and Rescue department where she is the secretary. AJ has been involved in the fire service since 2013.

AJ is a graduate of Doane’s College and was awarded the Keith Berlage Memorial Award in 2014. This award is presented to the graduate who personifies

the determination, perseverance and courage that Keith displayed throughout his life. When not working for the Training Division, AJ likes to socialize with family & friends, watch Husker football, participate in water sports, fish and take a swing at golf.

When asked to share what she finds most satisfying in working for the Training Division AJ shared the following; “the relationships and camaraderie within the fire brotherhood is what I find most satisfying. It is rewarding to witness the transformation of people as they gain confidence and competence through training programs provided by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Training Division. The commitment of trainers contributes to an environment where both instructors and trainees can develop, promoting a cul-

ture of ongoing improvement”.

When asked to share an experience in teaching for the Training Division when you felt like you had made a difference to an individual firefighter or to a fire department; “witnessing my students excel and grow into leadership positions in fire departments fills me with immense pride. Their commitment to becoming proficient fire and EMS professionals is truly inspiring. Recently, all of my students achieved a remarkable milestone by passing their Firefighter 1 exam, a testament to their hard work and dedication”.

The Training Division is grateful to have committed instructors such as AJ who help their students gain the skills and knowledge as they prepare to serve their communities across the state of Nebraska.

May report for Grant Fire and Perkins County Ambulance For the month of May 2025, the Grant Fire Department and Perkins County Ambulance.

Responded to 19 incidents during the month. The May incidents broke into 5 fire responses, 3 trauma responses, 3 medical incidents, 5 long distance transfer events, 2 motor vehicle accidents and 1 severe weather development.

For the year to date, there have been 25 fire responses, 51 medical emergencies, 25 long distance transfers, 5 Flight For Life events, and 5 vehicle accidents and 1 storm watch.

A few members attended out of district events in the month of May. Five individuals attended the Nebraska State Fire School in Grand Island, Scott Knoles, Chasity Knoles, Matt Deaver, Fred Reichert and Donald Softley.

Scott Knoles completed the

Next Level Resources for New Chief Officers Class, Chasity Knoles and Matt Deaver completed the EMS Segmented Class; Fred Reichert served as Moderator for the Nebraska Fire Happenings Class and Softley attended the Area Representatives Meeting for the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association.

During the opening ceremonies of the State Fire School Chasity Knoles was honored as one the Firemanship Award winners.

Earlier in the month Travis Ogg attended the Western Nebraska Wildland Fire Academy in Gering completing the Wildland Interface Course, Reichert also attended the Academy assisting in the teaching of the Initial Attack Command Class the first weekend of the Academy and completing the Portable Pumps Course the second weekend of

For ADDRESS CHANGES CONTACT: 402-761-2211 Fax: 402-761-2224 staff@nsvfa.org

the Academy.

Rick Ochsner, Travis Ogg and Donald Softley attended the quarterly meeting of the Southwest Mutual Aid Meeting held in Stratton.

(Grant Tribune-Sentinel, Grant, June 5, 2025)

Amy Kurtzer

Smokey Sez sez

By BOB HECKMAN

This month’s article is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Burkink from Scribner Vol. Fire Dept.

In 2024 over 18,500 fires were reported on July 4th, tens of thousands of accidental fires. Here are just a few of the big ones California Hawarden fire - 6 homes and 10 million in damage. Tea time hill is 4,000 acres. Remember 90% of all wildland fires are human caused, educating the public

may help.

At Plattsmouth fire we visit all fireworks vendors and pass out information, then several evenings spend time visiting with the public reminding them about safety. Anyone can visit the web and make their own flyer.

This month’s spotlight is on North Platte Fire Department - 30 career, 15 volunteer 1,000 calls per year, last of all their fire district - 240 square miles.

DESIGNED TO SAVE WEIGHT AND SPACE ON YOUR TRUCK MAXIMUM SAFETY QUICK AND EASY SETUP

Published monthly by Blaze Publications Inc. NEWS & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 15TH DAY OF EACH MONTH Email: jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com PO Box 122, Humboldt, IA 50548

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Advertising Rate Card available upon request. We welcome your views, opinions, news tips and questions. Letters to the editor must be accompanied by a name and daytime telephone number, and may be edited for space.

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July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 5

Departed Firefighters Richard L. “Dick” Korn 1950-2025

Richard L. “Dick” Korn passed away May 19, 2025 at Providence Medical Center. Funeral services with military rite were held May 23, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Wayne, NE and fire department last page by the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. Visitation was held prior to the service. Funeral arrangement were with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.

Richard Lee Korn was born Dec. 30, 1940, in Wayne to Adolph Henry and Regina Florence (Kurrelmeyer) Korn. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He graduated from Wayne High School in 1958. After a 3-year stint in the United States Army, Richard started working at International Harvester in Wayne. All of his subsequent employment involved engines and machinery. He was a machinist at Koplin Auto Supply and worked at Apache Manufacturing as a salesman and as a mechanic. In 1967, he married

Gail McQueen and they resided in Wayne for 58 years. Richard assisted Gail in developing a perennial plant nursery starting in 1982.

He and his friends participated in sanctioned drag racing and won several trophies and cash prizes.

Richard was a member of the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 57 years having served as chief twice. He was elected as president of the Nebraska Fire Chief’s Association in 1981 – 1982.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gail; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents, Adolph and Regina Korn; brothers, Harold (Edna) Korn and Melvin (Margaret) Korn; sisters, Esther (Harold) Gathje, Norma (Edward) Thies, Rosalie (Ivan) Diedrichsen and Mildred (Lyle) Weak.

Richard’s family appreciates your thoughts, prayers and kindness shown to them at this time. Memorial may be directed to the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department.

Flames, smoke consume northside North Platte home Monday Flames engulfed the east side of a 97-year-old North Platte house Monday morning north of the Union Pacific tracks.

Firefighters, who were called about 9 a.m. to the house at 908 W. Eighth St., said about an hour later that they hadn’t found anyone inside.

Dark black smoke billowed over the house and into the sky as three fire trucks arrived at the scene and firefighters deployed as quickly as they could.

The plumes could be seen from blocks away.

From the lawn of the house next door at the corner of West Eighth and Jessie Avenue, orange flames raged inside an eastfacing window and the next window to its south.

Firefighters entered the house and trained hoses on the flames, joined by col- leagues doing the same from the outside.

Two-person teams took turns entering the home, with the team being relieved kneeling on the front lawn as they drank water and other firefighters removed and replaced their spent oxygen tanks.

As the first-floor flames were beaten down, the Fire Department’s ladder truck extended its ladder straight across West Eighth from the street’s north side.

Another two-person team of

firefighters walked across, one of them using a chain- saw to cut two holes in the roof to the second floor.

The 1-1⁄2-story-tall house was built in 1928 and had five bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,859 square feet of living space, according to Lincoln County GIS. Its just-updated 2025 taxable value was $92,046.

North Platte police and sheriff’s deputies blocked West Eighth motorist access to the fire scene at both North Oak Street and Jessie.

About noon, North Platte Fire Captain Ryan Thompson said they were dispatched to the four-room structure at 9 a.m. and found the entire east side of the building under heavy fire and smoke.

“The fire crew immediately knocked down the exterior and we were able to make an interior attack and started to look for extensions,” Thompson said.

“There was a lot of heat and smoke, and the crews have been working on that for several hours now.”

Thompson said firefighters were continuing to clear rooms and the fire’s cause is still under investigation by the fire marshal.

(North Platte Telegraph, North Platte, June 10, 2025; written by Todd Von Kampen and Samson Ndege, staff writers.)

Ralston firefighter remembered

Ralston Volunteer Fire Department mourns the passing of retired member Roger Hansen, who faithfully served the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years, from 1990 to 2004. During his dedicated service, he held leadership roles as both a Chief Officer and a Captain. Roger was a foundational member of the department’s Honor Guard and remained actively involved since its inception. In recognition of his outstanding service, Roger was honored with the department’s highest accolade, the Pete Petersen Award, in 2003. Roger was also a past team member of the Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death Response Team. His legacy of service and camaraderie will not be forgotten. Known for his warm smile and gentle handshake, Roger embodied kindness, integrity, and dedication. His passing leaves a deep and irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who served alongside him. Roger Hansen’s funeral was held on May 29, 2025. Some of the Honor Guard members who attended the funeral (from the left): Pat Eccles, Commander; Dave Shively, Asst. Commander; Joe Eischeid, Mitch Bolte, Mike Bolte and Tom Negley.

Fairbury man injured in single-car crash on US 136 A Fairbury man was taken to the hospital by helicopter after a crash on U.S. 136 last week.

According to a Gage County Sheriff’s Office statement, Douglas Beu, 56, was driving north on the highway in a 2003 Ford Taurus near the intersection of West Lilac Road southwest of Beatrice when the vehicle crossed the center line, left the roadway, went up the embankment and became airborne before hitting a utility pole and rolling onto its top.

Deputies were dispatched

around 1:40 p.m. after authorities were notified by a passerby.

Beatrice Fire & Rescue and the Beatrice Rural Fire Department also responded. Beu was trapped inside the vehicle, according to the statement, and was extricated

by Beatrice Rural Fire.

Beu was taken by helicopter to a Lincoln hospital with critical injuries. According to the statement, he was not wearing his seat belt.

(Beatrice Daily Sun, Beatrice, May 30, 2025)

ACTION FIRE PHOTOS NEEDED! Please send them to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com

along with information to explain the photo.

6 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

NSVFA Officer Directory President SCOTT SCHREMMER 815 W 6th, Chadron, NE 69337 308-430-1494 buffhater@gmail.com 1st Vice President BRENDA JENNY 1767 Colfax Street, Blair, NE 68008 402.639.9647 bgolf2560@yahoo.com 2nd Vice President TROY SHOEMAKER 1433 Grove Ave Alliance, NE 69301 308-760-7682 tshoemaker@cityofalliance.net Secretary/Treasurer MARK MEINTS 502 E H St, Wymore, NE 68466 402-806-7451 meints2@windstream.net Legal Advisor RYAN K. MCINTOSH PO Box 186 Syracuse, NE 68446-0186 ryan.mcintosh@bhhslawfirm.com Lobbyist GERALD STILMOCK P.O. Box 186 Syracuse 68446 402-269-2081 • Office jerry.stilmock@bhhslawfirm.com Past President SHAD BRYNER PO Box 154, Hemingford, NE 69348 308-760-3341 sbryner@bbc.net

District Directors #1 DARRELL VANCE 1415 Q St, Gering, NE 69341 308-631-0053 DarrellVance1230@gmail.com #2 JOHN BOMAR P.O. Box 222, Battle Creek, NE 68715 402-992-1560 JBomar1970@gmail.com #3 RON CHADA 1721 N Sheridan North Platte, NE 69101 308-520-2828 rmchada@winnelson.com #4 KENNY KRAUSE 1229 D St. Fairbury, NE 68352 402-300-0097 krausechief@gmail.com NSVFA Representative National Vol. Fire Council JUSTIN SCAMEHORN 202 Hidas Ave. Waco, NE 68460 402-366-1939 jscamehorn@yahoo.com Appointed NVFC Director JOEL CERNY 1618 Denver St. Schuyler 68661 402-720-4100 cerny_j@hotmail.com Chaplain MATTHEW MAU Cell: 402-363-1540 E: pastormattwaco@gmail.com

NSVFA Officer OFficer Reports I can’t believe how fast this year is going, we are back from fire school and it was a huge success! There were a lot of good comments, and not many quirks to set the committee back, a job well done again folks!! We have been fortunate to receive some very much needed rainfall in the western end of the state, but it is amazing how fast it comes and goes. I guess any is better than none, hopefully it will keep coming and it will stay green for a while.

The E board and the Fire School committee will meet in August and go over this year’s school and start working on next year’s budget. I hope everyone can attend, it is always a great way to spend a weekend with family and friends up in northwest Nebraska! After that we

will be making our way to Kearney for the Memorial service on Sept. 21st and if you have never attended this event, I strongly recommend that you do, there is a lot of hard work that goes into putting this event on and it deserves all of our attention. After that we will be back in Kearney in October for our annual conference. Seems like the year just started and it is flying by!

The volunteer fire service is experiencing changes due to the new technologies, evolving training requirements, and a growing emphasis on safety and health. We are all facing challenges in recruitment and retention, but seeing innovation in areas of training and technology and community engagement. We tried something new in Chadron this year for recruitment and it

Recently I have seen more and more news articles on fire apparatus being involved in traffic accidents, and it’s not all here within Nebraska. After reading such, it has come to my attention, are our members getting the proper training to drive our vehicles? We know our responding rigs are a whole lot larger than our normal day to day vehicles, this being said, do you offer your members training for such?

Look at it this way, do you send your 16-year-old sons and daughters out with the family vehicle (costs of average $30,000) without first going over a few safety rules? I think not. So why do we have your members driving rigs that average $300,000 or much more without going over a few rules? Do you have department SOP’s or SOG’s that reference driving of your equipment?

Do you offer drivers training within your department? Do you require it annually? If not, why?

I know many of our departments are small, and when we get a call, we send our apparatus out the door with someone who can drive. After all they do have a license, but are they trained?

There are numerous training sites that reference emergency vehicle driving, from NFPA standards, NDOT, most all of our apparatus manufactures, and even requirements you can come up on your own.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation now offers TIM training at no cost to you, your department, and/or your mutual aid district. Each year it seems that more and more first responders are injured or killed due to apparatus accidents, most of which can be prevented. We don’t send our people into burning structure without proper training, so why do we put them behind the wheel of overweight, top heavy, larger than normal vehicles without training. And if you read these

Scott Schremmer, President “We tried something new in Chadron this year for recruitment and it seems to at the very least getting to some folks to see. We made a short 30 second video and sent a message that we need the community to help us. Please check it out on the Chadron Volunteer fire Department Facebook page. It has received over 15K views in a week.”

seems to at the very least getting to some folks to see. We made a short 30 second video and sent a message that we need the community to help us. Please check it out on the Chadron Volunteer fire Department Facebook page. It has received over 15K views in a week. We are also using it in our movie theater, as a paid ad before

the movie starts as another way to reach out to people in our area.

Just some food for thought on how to get new folks in the fire service.

Stay safe and God Bless the Volunteer!

SCOTT SCHREMMER, President

Ron Chada, District 3 “...are our members getting the proper training to drive our vehicles? We know our responding rigs are a whole lot larger than our normal day to day vehicles, this being said, do you offer your members training for such?”

articles in reference to accidents, you’ll be surprised that it’s not just the younger members who are involved. That’s right, it also includes the more seasoned firefighter/EMT who somehow gets caught up in the rush to get from point A to point B, thus forgetting to pay attention to road conditions, speed and the unexpected.

I’m for one, not looking to go in front of your chief to explain how I just wrecked our new $750,000 pumper, or having to

go to a fellow members house to explain that their family member will not be coming home because while responding to a call we were involved in an accident that took their life.

Please be safe, just a little training can change a bad day into a good day when everyone comes home…Think about it!!!!! Respectfully, RON CHADA, District 3 Director

Legal Advisor’s Report Last month, an individual was arrested in Lancaster County for impersonating a police officer.

The individual witnessed a car driving erratically and utilized the red and blue emergency lights on his personally owned vehicle to conduct a traffic stop while he contacted law enforcement to notify them of the vehicle. Ultimately the driver of the second vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

However, the individual with the emergency lights, who identified himself as a volunteer firefighter, was also arrested. Ultimately, it turned out the individual was not a member of any volunteer fire department. This is an opportunity to remind everyone of the requirements for the use of flashing lights for firefighters and rescue personnel while driving personally owned vehicles.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,233 authorizes use of emergency lights under certain circumstances.

Volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel are authorized to use rotating or flashing red lights, or a combination of blue and red lights, under the following limitations: 1. Use of lights for any individual firefighter must be authorized, in writing, by the county sheriff. Authorization expires on December 31 each year and must be renewed annually.

2. Lights may be used only while actually en route to the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring the services of the firefighter or rescue personnel.

3. The permit issued by the county sheriff must be carried in the vehicle.

4. The county sheriff may revoke the permit at any time for abuse of the permit, or if notice is received that the permit holder is no longer an active member of fire department.

Violation of these rules constitutes a Class III Misdemeanor.

Ryan K. McIntosh, Legal Advisor “However, the individual with the emergency lights, who identified himself as a volunteer firefighter, was also arrested. Ultimately, it turned out the individual was not a member of any volunteer fire department. This is an opportunity to remind everyone of the requirements for the use of flashing lights for firefighters and rescue personnel while driving personally owned vehicles.”

Another statute, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,114, exempts “authorized emergency vehicles” from certain speed limit and traffic control device requirements when responding to an emergency call. Personally owned vehicles, regardless of authorized flashing lights, do not constitute an “authorized emergency vehicle”, and you are still required to obey all traffic laws when operating your personally owned vehicle.

The permit is not a free pass, and you can still be issued a citation by law enforcement for violation of any traffic laws. Also, as noted above, emergency lights do not give individuals the authority to conduct traffic stops.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

RYAN K. MCINTOSH, Legal Advisor

July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 7

NSVFA Officer OFficer Reports Mental Health Matters: Carrying the Weight, Together You don’t go from okay to not okay overnight.

BUILDING RESILIENCE: TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL GEAR

That truth can be hard to see when you’re in the thick of it— call after call, shift after shift.

But every time you show up for someone on the worst day of their life, it leaves a mark. Maybe not big enough to notice right away, but over time, it adds up.

Imagine each of those moments as a rock you carry. One rock isn’t too bad. But now picture putting every single one into a backpack—and never taking it off. That’s what cumulative stress feels like. It’s the emotional load that builds slowly, quietly, and heavily over time.

This job is not just physically demanding—it’s mentally and emotionally taxing, too. And when you add in the fact that many of you are volunteers with other full-time responsibilities, the load can get overwhelming.

Below are thoughts to consider when feeling overwhelmed:

TALK IT OUT

Just like turnout gear protects your body, you need tools to protect your mind. Here are a few ways to build mental and emotional resilience: You don’t need to carry this alone. Peer support, professional counselors, chaplains, and mental health hotlines are available and confidential. Talking doesn’t make you weak—it keeps you strong.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Physical activity—even a short walk—helps clear your mind and process stress. Exercise is one of the most powerful, natural stress reducers out there.

TAKE A BREAK

You’re no good to others if you’re running on empty. Rest.

Hydrate. Breathe. It’s okay to step back and recharge.

CHECK YOUR PACK

Be honest with yourself. Are you feeling burned out, irritable, withdrawn, or constantly on

edge? Those are signs that your “backpack” is getting too heavy.

Ask for help before it gets too hard to carry.

Family: Your Built-In Fire Team When the tones go off, you answer the call. But when the pager is silent, your family is still there—your personal crew, ready to support, listen, and hold you up. Whether it’s a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or a fellow firefighter you consider family—lean on them. Talk to them.

Let them be part of your healing and strength.

Your family can be a powerful line of defense against burnout and mental fatigue. But they can’t support what they don’t see. Let them in.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

Being a volunteer firefighter or EMT means putting others first.

But remember: you matter too.

Take time to check in on yourself and your crew. Reach out if you’re struggling. No one expects you to be invincible—and you don’t have to be. Just keep showing up for yourself the way you show up for others.

And never forget you are not alone in this. Asking for help is

Brenda Jenny 1st Vice President “You don’t need to carry this alone. Peer support, professional counselors, chaplains, and mental health hotlines are available and confidential. Talking doesn’t make you weak—it keeps you strong.”

not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of courage. Together, we’re stronger. Together, we carry the load.

RESOURCES

Ponca Hills Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention (402-453-6656) Nebraska Rural Response Hotline (1-800-464-0258) Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Fire/EMS Helpline: 1-888-731-FIRE (3473) Crisis Text Line: 741741 Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Talk to your Chief or department mental health liaison

Please Stay safe. Stay strong.

Stay connected.

Below are upcoming events you don’t want to miss: 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service: September 21, 2025, | Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center 2025 Annual Conference, October 16 – 19, 2025 | Hosted by Kearney Volunteer Fire Department | Holiday Inn Convention Center Until next time, stay safe and healthy!

BRENDA JENNY 1st Vice President

O’Neill Fire Department Holds Award Night The O’Neill Fire Department held its awards night on Saturday, June 7, at the O’Neill Fire Hall.

Six members of the department were awarded for years of service.

Ron Schmit of O’Neill was honored for 50 years of service. Schmit joined the department in 1975, rising through the ranks and becoming one of the department’s most effective chiefs. Through Schmit’s leadership, the department broke barriers, becoming a more modern department. Modern equipment, such as pumpers and tankers, was added by both the city and rural fire boards.

Working with the City and Rural boards, he helped raise levies on the county side to ensure that funding would be in place for future departmental needs.

“Ron has always been a strong proponent of the department and has been a leader and mentor for firemen and officers alike,” said O’Neill Fire Chief Roger Miller.

“I have seen a lot of growth since I was chief all those years ago. I know that when the call goes out for fire as well as ambulance, our members will and are there to respond,” said Schmit.

Rod Ludemann and Earl Hipke were also honored at this year’s event, as both members have clocked 40 years of service, joining in 1985. Ludeman was also a former Fire Chief as well as holding Captains posi-

tions through the years. Hipke also joined in 1985 and has held Captain positions, as well as both 40-year members, being Fire Fighter 1, and have had EMT licenses.

Adam Kurtz was honored for 20 years of service. Receiving awards for five years of service were Alex Miles and Garrett Lake.

The department recently held its board of officer elections.

Roger Miller will remain Chief,

Alex Miles will take over as Assistant Chief, Kale Burdick will remain as City Captain, Jerod Waterman will take over as Rural Captain, Ryan Kelly will remain as Aerial Captain, Andrew Huber will remain as Rescue Captain and Brandi Ferhinger will take over as the O’Neill Ambulance Captain.

The department consists of 35 members and, in the past year, has responded to 50 fires and 320 ambulance calls.

Earl Hipke was honored on June 7 for 40 years of service to the O’Neill Fire Department.

Rod Ludemann was honored for 40 years of service to the O’Neill Fire Department.

Ron Schmit was honored for 50 years of service to the O’Neill Fire Department.

8 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

88th Annual Nebraska State Fire School MAY 16-18, 2025 · GRAND ISLAND · PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON / TAYLORANDERSONDESIGNS.COM

July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 9

Improvements underway to prevent flooding at Fonner Park The Nebraska State Fair is nearing completion of a $20 million infrastructure overhaul aimed at preventing flooding at the Fonner Park campus. The improvements, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), address issues that arose during the 2019 fair when heavy rain turned the grounds into a temporary river.

Nebraska State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr recalled the 2019 event, saying, “It looked like a river for a couple of hours.

With a half an inch of rain or an inch of rain, there were many puddles throughout the campus.

But in 2019, all of the inches was

enough to float a kayak.”

The ongoing project has already allocated $5 million to pave parking spaces, regrade the training track at Fonner Park and relocate motorsports outside.

The remaining $15 million is being used for installing underground storm pipes, light poles, cables, security cameras, shade structures, and paving a new parking lot near the Heartland Events Center amongst other things. Construction is currently ongoing near the event center.

Parr emphasized the broader benefits of the improvements, noting that with 1.4 million visitors recorded in 2024 and the new

casino opening, the upgrades will enhance the experience for all stakeholders and boost business in Grand Island. “It brings people to our community. All the different shows and events, attractions that happen here on campus are benefited from the work that ARPA has afforded the Fonner Park campus,” she said.

Parr said the next phase of the project involves collaborating with the city council to address a $2.6 million deficit for lighting, power, security cameras, and other additions that can’t be covered by ARPA funding. Parr stated that they’re going to the city since $1.5 million of the im-

provements will directly benefit the city-owned Heartland Events Center, but no formal request for funds has been made. Instead, they gave a presentation to the city council, after which the city said they would review the information with their legal team about the best course of action.

Parr says that she hopes the city will invest in their infrastructure improvements so they can grow the campus even more. “It’s a first step of our master plan. That will set us up for a great opportunity in the future. That opportunity could include another exhibition building. It could include a small animal barn or pavilion. It

could also include equine facilities,” Parr said.

The current phase of pipe installation is expected to be completed by the fair in August, with all planned improvements finished by June 2026. Parr expressed optimism about the progress, saying, “We have had a little bit of rain lately, so that’s been fun to go out and kind of test the waters, or hopefully not see water standing. It’s been drastically improved already. So we look forward to that continuing, to make the campus more usable.”

10 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

88th Annual Nebraska State Fire School MAY 16-18, 2025 · GRAND ISLAND · PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON / TAYLORANDERSONDESIGNS.COM

July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 11

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12 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

FIRE UP YOUR CAREER AT MCC Fire Science courses offered:

The Fire Science Technology program at Metropolitan Community College can make your firefighting dream a reality.

Fire Science courses offered: Emergency Medical Services • Firefighter I & II program offerings: • Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations/Technician

• Hazardous Materials Chemistry • Hazardous Materials Operations • Company • EMTOfficer/Instructor and paramedic courses • Rapid Extractionfrom Modulethe Support (Wildland RIT) and Technician • Courses National • RopeAssociation Rescue and Repelling Awareness/Operations/ • Fire Investigation I and II of EMT (PHTLS, AMLS) Technician • Fire Protection Systems • Tactical EMS courses • Confined Space Rescue/Trench/Grain Bin Rescue • Firefighter I and II • Courses from the American Heart • Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations (CEVO) • Incident Command System Association (BLS, ACLS, PALS) • Annual Weekend Fire School, continuing education • Legal Aspects of opportunities Emergency Services To learn more, call 531-MCC-2400 • MCC also offers refresher courses or visit mccneb.edu/fist.

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July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 13

88th Annual Nebraska State Fire School MAY 16-18, 2025 · GRAND ISLAND · PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON / TAYLORANDERSONDESIGNS.COM

14 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

York training burn

Several area fire departments were on hand in on May 31 for controlled burn training on Nobes. Photos from Just Melanie W.

July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 15

NVFC Reports

What’s an inch tall and can move a fire truck?

A classified ad in the Nebraska Firefighter!

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ACTION FIRE PHOTOS NEEDED! Please send them to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com

along with information to explain the photo.

liver critical federal programs under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. These include community wildfire protection planning, fuel reduction efforts, and forest health initiatives. According to 2020 data, state agencies were responsible for implementing 84% of prescribed burns across the U.S.—a key tool in mitigating wildfire risk.

“State foresters are not only boots on the ground,” NASF emphasized, “they’re also leaders in proactive fire risk reduction, landscape-scale resilience, and rural economic support through market development for woody biomass and other forest prod-

ucts.”

The organization is urging continued and increased investment in these proactive strategies, stressing that sustained federal-state-local cooperation is essential. These investments are vital not only to improve suppression capabilities, but also to reduce long-term costs and damages associated with catastrophic wildfires.

As a core member of NIFC since its founding in 1965, NASF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the goals of the new Executive Order and helping shape a more resilient, more coordinated wildfire response sys-

“State foresters are ready to do their part—and more—because the stakes have never been higher,” the association concluded.”

tem across the nation.

“State foresters are ready to do their part—and more—because the stakes have never been higher,” the association concluded.

Next month I will let you all know how the NVFC’s Training Summit went and as always, stay

safe and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out JOEL E. CERNY, NSVFA Director to the NVFC 402-720-4100

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As we hit the hot dog days of summer, I hope you all are staying cool and hydrated. In this month’s article I thought I would pass onto you some information that I received from the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Wildland Committee which I sit on.

Following President Trump’s Executive Order titled Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has issued a strong statement highlighting the indispensable role of state and local firefighting agencies in combating the nation’s escalating wildfire crisis.

The Executive Order, issued on June 15, directs closer collaboration among the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)— the central coordinating body for U.S. wildland fire response—and the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing local wildfire preparedness and response efforts, a focus welcomed

by NASF. “Destructive and deadly wildfires have devastated communities and pose a real threat across the nation,” said NASF officials in a public statement. “Improving the nation’s defense against wildfire cannot happen without active engagement of state and local firefighting agencies.”

State forestry agencies and local fire departments manage over 1.5 billion acres of land—more than any other level of government—and respond to more than 80% of wildfires nationwide. In 2024 alone, more than 97,400 firefighting resources were mobilized through NIFC, with nearly one-third of those deployed on federal lands. These numbers reflect the vital role of non-federal entities in wildfire suppression and prevention.

The NASF pointed out that state forestry agencies also de-

Joel Cerny, NVFC Director

16 • Nebraska Firefighter • July 2025

88th Annual Nebraska State Fire School MAY 16-18, 2025 · GRAND ISLAND · PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON / TAYLORANDERSONDESIGNS.COM

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July 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 17

Crete house fire A house fire in Crete a last Wednesday took the lives of three people with ties to Superior.

Sam Aughe, 73, his wife, Dolores Aughe, 74, and their greatgrandson, Samuel Hernandez, 5, lost their lives in the fire. The Aughes are step-grandparents to Brianna Shonka and Bryson Dessel and the little boy was a stepnephew of the Dessel children.

Becky Dessel, a Superior resident, is the mother of Brianna and Bryson. They were related to the Aughes through their father.

A woman in her late 20s was able to escape from the burning home.

The Omaha World-Herald reported the Crete Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a porch fire about 5:30 p.m. When the firemen arrived, the house was totally engulfed in flames.

The firefighters were able to enter the home and remove two people. Resuscitative measures were attempted and both were transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. A third individual was found shortly after and declared dead at the scene. The fire may have been started by a propane grill located on a partially enclosed porch.

Neighbors said they tried to put out the fire but a propane tank exploded and the fire quickly spread.

Sam Aughe was a Vietnam War veteran and well known in the Crete area for letting other veterans and their families sign his olive green 1946 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery. The vehicle, which he painted olive green with white stars on the front doors, now contains more than 1,000 signatures.

The vehicle’s grill and fenders are painted red. white and blue.

The car was untouched and will stay in the family.

(Superior Express, Superior, Apr. 17, 2025)

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