Nebraska’s Volunteer Firefighters Answer the Call—In Every Season

This past week has reminded us once again that in Nebraska, our volunteer firefighters and EMS providers stand ready no matter the challenge. Across our rural landscapes, departments have battled multiple wildland fires driven by dry conditions and strong winds. At the same time, communities on the eastern side of the state have been dealing with blizzard conditions—two dramatically different emergencies unfolding at once.

For many of our volunteer departments, this has meant long days and even longer nights. Crews have responded to fast-moving grass fires threatening homes, farms, and livelihoods, while others have worked in snowy and bitter cold conditions to assist motorists, provide medical aid, and ensure their neighbors remain safe. These are not isolated efforts—they represent the coordinated response of volunteer departments across Nebraska stepping forward whenever and wherever they are needed.

What stands out most in moments like these is the spirit of service that defines Nebraska’s volunteer fire and EMS service. Departments from across the region have deployed personnel and equipment to assist with the wildland fires, reinforcing local crews and ensuring that communities under threat are not left to face these challenges alone. These firefighters leave their jobs, step away from their families, and dedicate countless hours to protecting people they may never meet. That willingness to serve is the backbone of Nebraska’s volunteer fire service.

At the same time these emergencies were unfolding, many EMS providers from across the state were attending the 2026 Super Conference hosted by the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association (NEMSA). While others were responding to calls, these dedicated professionals were investing their weekend in additional education — learning new skills, refining lifesaving techniques, and sharing knowledge with fellow providers. They too stepped away from their families, jobs, and daily responsibilities so they can return home better prepared to serve their departments and their communities.

During these difficult days, we were also reminded of the lasting legacy that service creates. On March 14, the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Awards Banquet, where they honored Lee Vohland upon his retirement after an extraordinary 65 years of service. Joel and Rhonda Cerny (NVFC Director), Ron and Rhonda Chada (District 3 Director), and I had the privilege of attending the banquet to help celebrate Lee and recognize his remarkable dedication to the fire service.

It is hard to fully grasp what that level of dedication represents. Sixty-five years of alarms in the middle of the night. Sixty-five years of missed holidays, family dinners interrupted, and countless hours spent training, responding, and mentoring younger firefighters.

Members who dedicate that much time to their department do more than answer calls—they build a legacy. They shape the culture of service that carries forward through generations of firefighters. Their experience becomes the foundation upon which new members learn, grow, and eventually lead.

That same spirit is visible today in the firefighters currently deployed to wildland incidents across the state and in the EMS providers returning home from training with new knowledge to share. Together, they represent the next chapter of that legacy—individuals who understand that service to their community is a responsibility worth sacrificing for.

Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters and EMS providers are farmers, mechanics, teachers, nurses, business owners, and neighbors. When emergencies strike—whether it’s a grass fire or a blinding winter storm—they become the first line of defense for the communities we all call home.

On behalf of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, I want to personally thank every volunteer firefighter and EMS provider who has stepped forward this past week. Your commitment, courage, and dedication exemplify the very best of the fire and EMS Service in Nebraska.

And to Lee Vohland for 65 remarkable years of service—thank you for setting the standard. Your legacy lives on in every volunteer who answers the call today.

The strength of our communities has always been found in neighbors helping neighbors—and nowhere is that more evident than in the service of our volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.

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As always, if you have a meeting or event you would like me to attend, please reach out and I will make every effort to be there.

Please take note of the following upcoming events designed to educate, inspire, and empower our membership:

NSVFA Fire School Registration
NOW OPEN. Early registration is encouraged to secure preferred classes. Information is available at: https://www.nsvfa.org/nebraska-fire-school

NSVFA Fire School
May 15–17, 2026

As we continue moving forward, please remember that this is your association. Your voice, your ideas, and your involvement matter. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, I encourage you to reach out to me or any board member. We are here to serve you and to advocate on your behalf.

Until we meet again, stay safe and healthy.

BRENDA JENNY
President, Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association