Nebraska Firefighter

www.NSVFA.
org
USPS #024-619
8,000 February, 2014
Volume 7 Issue 5
Several area re departments responded to a church re in Syracuse on Jan. 5. See more photos and story inside. Photo by Dan Swanson, Syracuse Journal-Democrat.
Hurst Jaws of Life Demo Rescue Tool Clearance

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NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER, FEBRUARY, 2014
CALL THE NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER NEWSPAPER FOR AD RATES To place your personal or departmental classified ads here: Call 515-604-6400 or email them to jeff@nebraskareghter.com NEBRASKA FIRE SAFETY COMPANY expanding in your area. $40,000 to $60,000 first year. Full and part-time needed. Flexible hours. 402-721-5580 FF-TFN FOR SALE: 1999 F800 Diesel/ automatic, 1250 top mount pump, 1000 poly tank/E-One aluminum body. Excellent condition/ available approximately 90 days. Contact Mike at 712-830-0031 or mschwabe@toyne.com put 1999 Ford/E-One in subject line. TFN FOR SALE: 1985 E-1 pumper, two seater with two jump seats in back, 1,250 gpm pump, 1,000 gallon tank, 24 gallon foam HyPro injecting system, two oneinch reel hoses, six inch draft inlet, Detroit-Allis automatic transmission. Truck and pump refurbished in 2000. Asking $25,000 OBO. Contact John Tyson at 402-533-3003 or email: johntyson601@gmail. com. FF-1
NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER CLASSIFIEDS
2014 Browning Memorial Award Recipient Announced

The 2014 Browning Memorial Recipient is Lawson Worthing, son of Brad and Sadie Worthing. He is two years old and suffers from CHARGE Syndrome. CHARGE Syndrome is a disease, which is an umbrella of syndromes that affect various parts of the body. Lawson has undergone many surgeries, his first one coming when he was eight days old to repair a heart valve complication. This syndrome which is a rare pattern of life threatening birth defects that can lead to vision, hearing and balance problems in later development according to the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. As part of the umbrella of syndromes under CHARGE, each letter refers to a different health concern. C is for coloboma (like a cleft) of the eye, H is for heart defects, A is for artesia (blockage) of the choanae (passages from back of nose to throat), R is for retardation of growth or development, G is for genital or urinary abnormalities and E is for ear abnormalities of deafness. Lawsons parents say he falls under three of the syndromes of CHARGE, he has colobomas and is partially blind, has had heart defects and hearing abnormalities and issues although he has received a cochlear implant in one ear. Even though Lawson has hearing issues, he cant see above or to the sides (he can see in front of him and has a good depth perception). He does not eat solid food in his mouth (he is fed through a tube into his stomach). He has a button opening in his stomach that lets in his feeding tube. The familys goals for Lawson are to get him walking, get him used to his surroundings and getting him acting more like a toddler. Lawson has one sister, Jovie. Lawsons father Brad is a member of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and has become one of the departments newest EMTs. This Award will be presented to Lawson during Opening Ceremonies at Fire School in Grand Island. The Special Recognition Committee is encouraging all Fire and Rescue Departments, Auxiliaries, and individuals to bring something to present to Lawson. We want to help make this a very special day for Lawson.
Winds fan flames at rural Lexington house fire

Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour dogged the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department Thursday afternoon as a house caught on fire northwest of Lexington. At approximately 12:30 p.m. the LVFD was called to a house located approximately five to six miles northwest of Lexington on County Road 429. The home is listed as belonging to Richard and Liz Sanderman at 76026 Road 429. The winds fanned the flames as LVFD firefighters scrambled to try and get the fire under control. The fire, though, quickly spread to the field adjacent to the home. Additional firefighters from Overton, Cozad and Gothenburg were called to the scene shortly before 1 p.m. as a call for service indicated the need for more units to fight the blaze. The grass and field fire was under control as of 2:10 p.m., as several tractors using disc tillers were used to break up the ground and keep the fire from spreading further. Fire and rescue units were able to keep the fire from jumping across the road and the blaze was stopped at the ditch. As of now, no injuries have been reported and a cause for the fire has not been determined as firefighters continue to fight it.
Please send all corrections to: NSVFA PAM LUNDY P.O. Box 101 York, NE 68467 402-362-2255
FOR YOUR NEWSPAPER LaBEL
Fourth Annual Leadership Banquet Keynote Speaker Announced for the 2014 Les Lukert Winter Conference Hosted by Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors
Books and Videos (2012), coauthored Tactical Perspectives of Ventilation and May Day DVDs (2011, 2012) and he was a key contributor to the Tactical Perspectives DVD Series. P.J. is a FDIC Instructor, Fire Engineering contributor, Fire Engineering University faculty member, and hosts a Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio show. He has lectured across the United States as well and overseas. He is certified to the Instructor II, Officer III and Paramedic level. The Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors will offer, at the Les Lukert Winter Conference, chances to win the third annual FDIC/NSFSI Scholarship to the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, IN on April 6-16, 2014. At the 2011 Les Lukert Winter Conference a partnership was developed between NSFSI and Chief Bobby Halton to offer this scholarship. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to send the 2013 NSFSI Bill Behrends Instructor of the Year award winner to FDIC in 2014. The scholarship will be presented at the banquet. More details will be available at the Conference. Banquet tickets are available for $30 in advance with your class registration. Tickets may be available at the conference registration desk in limited numbers. Tickets must be purchased by 9 a.m. Saturday.
NOTE: Please include the label with the incorrect address found on the front page of this newspaper. Thank You!
Publication of Blaze Publications Inc. Jeff Gargano.......................................................................... Publisher/Editor Sue Reimers...................................................... Advertising Design Manager Sue Reimers............................................................................ Page Designer Brenda Zimple................................................................................ Typesetter Published monthly by Blaze Publications, Inc. at 512 Sumner Avenue, Humboldt, Iowa 50548. Periodical postage paid at Humboldt, IA. USPS #024-619 and additional mailing offices.
UPCOMING EVENTS
For ADDRESS CHANGES CONTACT: Pam Lundy, Adm. Asst. 402-362-2255 nsvfa@windstream.net
NEWS & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 15TH DAY OF EACH MONTH Call 515.604.6400 or email: jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com P.O. Box 122, Humboldt, IA 50548-0122 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.
Postmaster: send address changes to Nebraska Firefighter, PO Box 101, York, ne 68467
NSFSI invites you to join us for an evening of networking opportunities with fire service leaders from Nebraska and beyond. Along with great food and conversation, the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social reception and banquet. P.J. Norwood will present his keynote address following dinner. P.J. Norwood is a Deputy Chief Training Officer for the East Haven CT Fire Department and has served four years with the CT Army National Guard. P.J. has authored Dispatch, Handling the Mayday Fire Engineering
Feb. 7-9, 2014: Les Lukert Conference, Kearney. Feb. 16, 2014: Winside Fire and Rescue Pancake-Omelet Fund Raiser, 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. at Winside auditorium. Funds will go toward updating equipment. Mar. 28-30, 2014: Safety and Leadership Conference hosted by the Aurora Fire Department at the Leadership Center, featuring John Salka, Dave Dodson and Ron Moore. Online registration at www.safetyandleadership.com or contact Tom Cox at 402-6943855. May 16-18, 2014: Nebraska State Fire School, Grand Island.
Nebraska Emergency Responders License Plate NOW AVAILABLE!

Nebraska Firefighters and Emergency Medical Responders; career and volunteer; it is with honor that the Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death Response Team announces that we have been approved and certified by the State of Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles for a LICENSE PLATE honoring Emergency Responders in the State of Nebraska! The Never Forget specialty license plates are available for purchase by firefighters and emergency medical responders or any individual interested in supporting emergency responders in the state of Nebraska. The split cross reflects those people serving in both Fire and EMS entities; the Never Forget banner across the split cross is to honor all those that have served and gone before us; The Thin Red Line signifies those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. The Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death Response Teams function is to provide support and assistance for injured firefighters and rescue personnel; to families and loved ones of Eemergency responders killed in the line-of-duty; and to foster, promote, encourage and increase public knowledge and appreciation of emergency responders in the state of Nebraska. We feel that this Never Forget plate could not be a better reflection of our goals and are so excited to have our design approved by the State! To order your Never Forget specialty plates follow the directions below! Also, we have included a list of frequently asked questions. IF you should have any other questions please feel free to contact Roseanne Scurto at (402) 613-3084 or email them to info@ neresponseteam.org HOW YOU GET YOUR PLATES: Go to www.neresponseteam.org to fill out an online application and submit paying the $70 fee with PayPal or a credit card (plus $5 online processing fee) OR print out the application, fill it out and mail it to the address below with your check payment of $70. Make checks payable to Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death Response Team (or, NSI&LODD) and send to: NSI&LODD, P.O. Box 641752, Omaha, NE 68164. MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Can I Personalize NEVER FORGET license plates? NO - Can I use my current license plate number on NEVER FORGET license plates? NO - What vehicles are eligible for the NEVER FORGET license plates? All vehicles (motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers and cabin trailers) are eligible for a NEVER FORGET license plate. There is no limit to the number of vehicles owned by an individual that may be registered with NEVER FORGET license plates. You do not have to belong to an organization to purchase these license plates. - What does it cost for the NEVER FORGET license plates? The ANNUAL fee is $70 in addition to regular car registration fees and taxes. The funds generated from the sale goes back to the State of Nebraska, $10.50 to the DMV Cash Fund and $59.50 to the Nebraska Highway Trust. - When do I get the NEVER FORGET license plates? It depends on how long it takes to ac-
fee set by state statute, the DMV will enter all the applications into the state system and create the plates. A letter will go out to each individual advising the applicant when his or her plate will be available for pick up at the county treasurers office. If you have additional questions contact Roseanne Scurto @ (402) 613-3084 or send an email
quire the initial 500 applications. Once the initial 500 applications are submitted, along with the $70
to info@neresponseteam.org FAMILY * HONOR RESPECT * COMPASSION
Chief Terry Engles and Dwayne Rupe are pictured above. Dwayne Rupe was acknowledged for his 45 years of service on the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department on January 11. Fireghter Rupe has committed himself to the citizens of Valentine and his fellow reghters for many countless hours of volunteer service. His time and effort is much appreciated from the entire community. Thank you Dwayne.
ONCE
Safety and Leadership Conference March 28-30, 2014

Dave Dodson - Art of Reading Smoke
THE COURSE OUtLINE INCLUDES:
IN A LIFETIME TRAINING IN
CENTRAL NEBRASKA!
The Advanced Basics of Smoke and Fire Behavior; Hostile Fire Events and Warning Signs; The 3-Step Process; Rapid-Read Short Cuts; Video Practice
This class is the most-popular class offered by Response Solutions. Often, smoke issuing from a building is the only clue available to preict fire behavior and the liklihood of a flashover or rapid fire spread. First-arriving officers, Incident Commanders, and Safety Officers MUST know how to repidly read smoke - this class explains the reading smoke process and gives participants practice using actual fire-ground video.
New Car Construction & Technology

Ron Moore a Firehouse contributing editor is training chief for the McKinney, TX, Fire Department. He also authors a monthly online article in the Firehouse.com MembersZone and serves as the Forum Moderator for the extrication section of the Firehouse.com website. Ron is an internationally known ad respected expert and instructor of automobile extrication. Rons class will address new vehicle design and technology challenges that includes airbag updates, a look at electric and hybrid vehicles, plus a presentation of the Advanced Steels such as Boron that are being incorporated in new model year vehicles.
Ron Moore
REGISTER TODAY!! Online registration: www.safetyandleadership.com $100 Registration Meals Included Lodging Available The Leadership Center tlcaurora.org
Aurora Fire Department, Aurora, NE

Contact: Tom Cox 402-694-3855
NSVFA SAFER Grant

By: Lyndsay Salb The State Tuition Reimbursement as Incentive for Volunteer Emergency Responders (STRIVE) program has been extremely busy as the Fall Semester has now ended. The 93 awardees are busy submitting their paperwork for reimbursement, and we are excited to get them money for their service! Each awardee commits to serving as a volunteer at their fire department for two years. In return for their service, they are eligible for $4,400 in tuition reimbursement per year for two years. These monies can be used for the volunteer, their spouse, or a dependent. This is a SAFER program brought to you by the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA). Tim and Sammie Garrison are a perfect example of how to take advantage of these SAFER grant monies. Tim has been a member of the DeWitt Volunteer Fire and Rescue for 30 years and an EMT for 28 years. He is also a CPR instructor. Sammie (daughter) is a nursing student at Midland and on the track team. Tim is in his second year as a STRIVE awardee, and has received $8,800 reimbursement for Sammies tuition/ book costs! We appreciate Tims continued service and best of luck to Sammie in the upcoming track season! The next deadline will be March 1st, 2014. For more information, visit: http://www.volunteerfirefighter.org/NE/strive.php
High winds fuel field fire

Extremely high winds created a stressful situation late Thursday morning as a fire burned a milelong stretch of cornfield and at one point came within a quarter mile of Bradshaw. Bradshaw Fire Chief Todd Hellerich said the fire originated from a power line mile west of Road E, on Road 15 in other words, northwest of Bradshaw. And it was whipped into a frenzy by 40-plus mph winds from the northwest. The wind caused the power line to snap and thats what caused this fire, Hellerich explained. It quickly caught the field on fire and the wind pushed it along. It spread really, really quickly. Hellerich said a mile-long stretch burned approximately 110 acres and at one point, he was worried about the safety of the village. It was spreading so fast and the wind was carrying the hot, burning embers, Chief Hellerich said. The biggest thing about a fire like this and winds like we saw, theres always a chance that hot embers will start new fires. It may have been noon, but Bradshaw residents wouldnt have known by looking at the sky. The air was filled with black and gray smoke, with burned debris falling from the sky. The stench of burned material filled the area as the bitter wind blew through. It looks like its night time, said one Bradshaw resident as he stood in his yard. This is crazy. On the western edge of town, it was hard to see vehicles traveling on village streets. Visibility became a problem for motorists traveling on Highway 34. Officers with the state patrol and the York County Sheriffs Department were dispatched to the area to help with any traffic control that may have been needed. Motorists reported seeing and smelling smoke from as far south as Interstate 80. Meanwhile, firefighters worked feverishly to get the situation under control. The fire edged closer to Bradshaw and some nearby structures on farmsteads, but we were able to get ahead of it and beat it, Hellerich said. By 2 p.m., firefighters had the blaze under control. Right now, were just putting water on the hot spots, to make sure this thing doesnt start up again, Hellerich said at the scene. His department received mutual aid from York, Henderson, Aurora and Hampton. They brought grass rigs and tankers, Hellerich said, which really helped us immensely. He also credited the large number of farmers who jumped into action. One big contributing factor of us being able to get the fire under control was that we had farmers who hooked up discs to their tractors and raced out to help us, Chief Hellerich said. That really made a difference. It allowed us to get ahead of it and keep it from spreading. With this incredible wind, we are fortunate we didnt have any structural damage, Hellerich said. It created a lot of stress, this situation did but we got it under control.
With the high cost of education the STRIVE grant has gone a long way to help pay for our daughters education. We didnt know about the grant until our chief brought it up and I would encourage everyone to nd out about the STRIVE program. They have been fantastic to work with and it feels good to be appreciated as a volunteer for our local community. Tim Garrison
The next Northeast Nebraska Volunteer Firefighters Association Quarterly meeting will be held at the Madison Volunteer Fire and Rescue station on Friday, Feb. 7, starting at 8 p.m. The program will
Northeast Nebraska Quarterly meeting
be on the tornado that hit Wayne. If your department has not paid their dues, please start to get them sent in. Please make plans now to attend.
PRESENTS: AERIAL SPRAY PLANE & HELICOPTER SAFETY MEDICAL HELICOPTER SAFETY INCLUDING SAFE LANDING ZONES and FIREFIGHTER ELECTRICAL SAFETY (BY NPPD)
1 Day class with lunch served - Saturday, February 22, 2014, beginning at 9:00am.
This training will include how to approach plane or helicopter safety including extricating the pilot from the cockpit and how the plane owner can assist the fire department in the case of a downed aircraft. The helicopter safety portion will include when to call for a helicopter, how to set up a landing zone for the helicopter and how to safely approach the aircraft. NPPD Training Specialist, Joe Sunday (also a member of the Osceola Fire Department) will provide instruction on firefighter electrical safety, ground potential of electrical travel, water and electricity, how you can provide safe rescue services during storms and vehicle accidents. Training Location: Wilbur Ellis Company Aerial Applicator Facility 1309 Road 9, York, NE 68467 (Quarter mile east of Best Western Plus York Hotel & Conference Center south of Interstate 80, York) (First Rural Road to the South of the Hotel) Hotel information: A block of rooms is reserved Friday, February 21, at the Best Western Plus York Hotel & Conference Center located at 4619 S Lincoln Avenue, York, NE just south of the interstate junction of Hwy 81 and Interstate 80. The rate is $89.00 per night plus appropriate taxes. The motels phone number is 402-362-6661. Reservations must be made by February 14 using the block name of Nebraska Fire Chiefs. After February 14, any remaining rooms in the block will be made public.
Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association
2014, at
Waco Fire Department will host a Social Friday evening, February 21, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Waco Fire Department, first building south of the railroad track on south Strickler Street in Waco. (South Strickler Street is the first street south in Waco coming from the east on Highway 34 north of York). Immediately following Saturdays training, the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Meeting will be held at 5:30pm CST on Saturday, February 22, 2014, also at the Waco Fire Department. (The NE Fire Chiefs hope that everyone attending class in York will come to the meeting or if not attending the training, just come to the Fire Chiefs meeting. Everyone is welcome) All events above sponsored by the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association. Please RSVP attendance at above events to Justin Scamehorn at (402) 366-1939 Questions: Nebraska Fire Chiefs President, Randy Barnes (402) 366-8516
Several area fire departments are responding to Syracuse where the Methodist Church is on fire. As of 8 p.m., the fire was still burning and efforts were centered on preventing spread to other structures. Pastor Gary Ganger said members of the congregation are gathering. Flames were reported above the trees and the sanctuary also on fire at 7 p.m. The initial call came in around 6:30 p.m. Smoke was reported seen as Syracuse Fire Department reached the scene. Mutual aid from surrounding towns was quickly requested and the aerial truck from Nebraska City Fire Department dispatched. An additional pumper truck and light banks were called for a bit before 7 p.m. The Otoe County EMS warming trailer was also heading to the scene. Nancy Swarts reported at 7:30 p.m. that flames were shooting into the sky above the trees and that the sanctuary was on fire. She said the church and sanctuary will be a total loss. At 7:30 p.m., help was requested to keep spectators back as sand trucks prepared to move in to help with the ice, which was covering many streets as the water ran downhill from the church.
Syracuse Methodist Church fire update: Total loss of 102-year-old church
At 8:13 p.m., spectators were being moved further from the scene and additional barricades put up. The Journal-Democrat spoke with Pastor Gary Ganger of the Syracuse Methodist Church at 8:10 p.m. He said that the smoke was detected when Boy Scouts opened the church for their meeting. The scout leader then came to the parsonage to notify him, said Ganger, who then went to the church. He said he could barely smell smoke in the education center, but there was lots of smoke but no flames seen in the sanctuary. He said smoke was coming out of the gables for about a half an hour before flames began appearing, but then the fire progressed rapidly. Ganger said that huge gusts of wind drove the fire and made efforts to save the church futile. I just want to cry, said Ganger about the loss of the church. At 8 p.m. Ganger said the remaining wall was leaning in and he expected it to collapse. The collapse of the east wall was frightening, said reporter Dan Swanson. You could hear a couple of cracks, there was rolling smoke, there was very little visibility, you just heard these cracks and couldnt see the firefighters, then just saw the bricks hitting
Departed Firefighters
Tori Ann Koubek 1978-2013 Tori Ann Koubek, 35, of North Platte, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 24, 2013. Tori was born on May 6, 1978 in North Platte, to Keith and Kari (Smith) Nichelson. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1996, then attended college at Mid Plains and McCook Community College where she studied to become a firefighter and paramedic. Tori served as a member of the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department until 2005. In July of 1995, she met Shanon Koubek and were married on Feb. 26, 2000, in Arnold. The couple made their home in North Platte, where both were active within the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Grace, Natalie, Lliam, and Olivia. Tori continued serving her community operating a home day care for many years.In 2001, Tori and Shanon began caring for foster children and helped many kids over the years. In 2008, they moved to the country where Tori was able to indulge her love of animals. She was an avid hunter and fisher woman, she loved everything outdoors and was fearless around animals. Tori was extremely selfsufficient and could do her own plumbing, and car maintenance; she even made her own soaps out of the milk from her goats. She enjoyed growing things; be it her animals, plants, bees, but most of all kids....anything that would grow. Tori was an excellent, wonderful and loving wife, mother, daughter, grand daughter, sibling, aunt and friend. Tori loved her children more than anything else.
Tori is survived by her husband Shanon, her four children, Grace, Natalie, Lliam, and Olivia, all of North Platte; her parents, Keith and Kari Nichelson; brother, Nathan (fiancee Tammy Wilkenson) Nichelson; sister, Staci (Samuel Wederski) Nichelson; grandparents, Neal and Peggy Smith, and Robert Nickelson, all of North Platte; and numerous other family members including brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Ida Nichelson; parents-in-law, John and Mary Jane Koubek. A memorial has been established in her name at the First National Bank in North Platte.
the ground 30 feet from where the pumper was on the street. You could feel the impact of the wall hitting the ground. He said Mayor KC Ortiz was calling out to see if anyone was injured. It was very tense, said Swanson. Members of the congregation were gathering at the scene and nearby homes and food was being served in the school, said Ganger. The church is so old...and its an older congregation, said Ganger. The church is a vital piece of their lives, of their history, of the community, he said. Story from Syracuse Journal Democrat. Photos by Dan Swanson, Syracuse Journal-Democrat
Jonathan Jon J.W. Foran 1071-2013 Jonathan Jon Foran, 42, of North Platte, passed away Nov. 24, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He was born Jan. 6, 1971, to Robert Robles and Judith Foran at Santa Barbara, Ca. He attended North Platte High School and then went on to serve in the United States Army, with tours in Iraq. On Aug. 26, 2013, he was united in marriage to Mychelle Seerly. Jonathan was a current member of the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a firefighter and EMT. He was also actively involved in AYSO Soccer and loved to spend spare time fishing. He is survived by his wife, Mychelle; two step-sons, Brandon and Andrew, all of North Platte; his parents; a sister, Noelle (Chris)
Anderson; a brother, Matt (Mindy) Foran, both of Houston, TX; his mother and father-in-law, Dora and Doug Seerley, of Sutherland; a sister-in-law, Crystal Ponce; special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces, and the Fire Service. Memorials are suggested to the MD Anderson Cancer Center for Brain and Spine Cancer Research. Mass of Christian Burial was held Nov. 27, at St. Patricks Catholic Church with the Rev. Neal Hock as celebrant. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment was conducted with military honors at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE.
Main Street re extinguished but site still dangerous

A fire that broke out Thursday night in downtown Plattsmouth is extinguished but danger still lurks on the site. Flames destroyed the historic Waterman building at Fourth and Main Street in Plattsmouth, a structure that housed the Quart House Pub, Cass Family Medicine and Plattsmouth Chiropractic Center. Main Street Jewelers also received extensive smoke and water damage. Right now, the fire for all intents and purposes is out, according to Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) Assistant Chief Bill Dudek. Crews wrapped up procedures at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. We did go back out Saturday afternoon at about 4 p.m. to get the remaining equipment. PVFD was joined by many others in their two-day struggle against the flames. Louisville Fire Department, Murray Fire Department, Offutt AFB Fire Department, La Vista Fire Department, Ralston Fire Department, Nebraska City Fire Department, Bellevue Fire Department and Cass County Emergency Management were all on the scene. La Vista and Offutt both brought aerial trucks while Ralston covered the fire house. There were many challenges to the fire. Some water streams froze as soon as they hit the building. Water poured near hot spots did not freeze. Dudek, who also serves fulltime on the Offutt Fire Department, said the fire was one of the most challenging blazes he has fought in his 17 years with the PVFD. It had a lot of involvement. It was an old building with a moderate fire load -- that means there was a lot of stuff in them, he explained. Normally, it doesnt take three aerials flowing water onto a fire to put it out. We had three and two other heavy-duty fire hoses flowing water into the building from the ground. PVFD was on the scene at 11:45 p.m. Jan. 2. The last truck left the scene at 10:37 a.m. Saturday, Dudek said. The continuing cold temperatures are impeding the fire investigation. Everything is frozen. No one can get in the structure, because it is not stable and because of the icicles, Dudek explained. Some of those icicles probably weigh a couple hundred pounds. They will go right through you if they fall. On the backside of the building, some icicles that formed were five feet tall. The power company came in and removed them from the power lines. Thats why we have the fence around the property. We were directed to do so by a structural engineer and the insurance companies, Dudek said. The below-freezing temperatures also affected firefighters. We had rotating crews. Believe it or not, but businesses opening up and allowing us in really helped. It gave us time to get coffee and warmed up, Dudek said. We would like to thank the whole community. We had lots of support from businesses on Main Street, he said. River House Soda Fountain and Caf, Moms Caf, DCs Waterhole, Caseys, Hy-Vee and more made sure the firefighters had food, beverages and a place to warm up. Random people would bake a batch of cookies or brownies and bring them to us on the street, Dudek said. We had everything we needed. Between the energy it takes to actually fight the fire and the gear, firefighters can tolerate the cold. When youre out there, a layer of ice forms on your bunker gear and it actually insulates you better, Dudek said. Ice also formed on the street causing very slippery conditions for the firefighters. One firefighter fell when he was moving a fire hose. I know because I was right beside him. He was not transported, but was pulled out, checked and released back into duty, Dudek said. To combat the long hours, firefighters like Dudek took catnaps for two or three hours. Broken
Photo by Mark Morehead
Photo by Patti Petersen, Plattsmouth Journal
GENE STEFFY CHRYSLER

2545 E. 23rd Ave S., Fremont, NE 68025 www.genesteffy.com clarkm@genesteffy.com
Photo by Patti Petersen, Plattsmouth Journal
NOw OffERING Government Fleet Pricing To Volunteer Firemen

for Their Vehicles Used for Response to Fires
CALL: Clark - 402-212- 9998 Ken - 402-719-1232
sleep can help get you through. Mike (Fire Chief Mike Wilson) stayed out there for 26 hours straight. I finally said, Go home and get some sleep. Weve got this. Fires that erupt in historic buildings have historically resulted in far worse damage. Traditionally, it can go a whole block. We got a very good stop on that damage. There was no fire damage to Main Street Jewelers. There is water in the basement and some of the
other buildings, Dudek said. On Sunday, the city of Plattsmouth turned the water off to the building. City workers had to locate the turnoff through icy water. Dudek said PVFD is very thankful for all of the community support it received. Until the fire investigation is completed, little more can be done. Dudek said from here on, its in the hands of the fire marshal and insurance agencies. Story from Plattsmouth Journal
Globe, DuPont, and NVFC Give Away 51 Sets of Gear in 2013

Globe, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) partnered in 2013 to give away 51 sets of gear to 14 volunteer fire departments in need across the U.S. The Globe Gear Giveaway Program provides struggling volunteer departments with much-needed gear to help improve the safety and protection of their firefighters. This was the second year for the program. In 2012, Globe launched the Gear Giveaway Program as part of its 125th anniversary celebration. The program was a way to say thank you to the first responders who selflessly devote their time and risk their own safety to protect their communities. In all, 144 sets of gear were distributed to 16 volunteer fire departments across the U.S. and Canada. Due to the outpouring of interest in the program, Globe expanded the partnership with DuPont and the NVFC to continue giving away sets of gear in 2013, this time to NVFC members who demonstrated great need. Thanks to the support of Globe and DuPont, a total of 30 fire departments have received 195 sets of gear since the giveaway program began, said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. The NVFC is proud to partner with Globe and DuPont to help these volunteer fire departments improve their safety and protect their members. This program has had a significant impact on departments that cant afford to purchase necessary equipment for their firefighters. Volunteer departments are often dealing with inadequate budgets and limited resources. Firefighters have to make do with gear that is decades old, ill-fitting, overly worn, and that do not meet current safety standards. Globe teamed up with DuPont and the NVFC to help meet the gear needs of some of the countrys struggling departments. Through a competitive application process, the program targets all-volunteer departments serving a population of 25,000 or less in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate a significant need for gear that they cannot meet on their own. Every day, thousands of volunteer firefighters place themselves in harms way in the performance of their fire and rescue duties, said Rob Freese, Senior VP of Marketing at Globe Manufacturing Company. Were pleased and honored to be able to give back to some of the many volunteer fire departments with limited resources by improving the safety of their members with the most advanced turnout gear. The Globe Gear Giveaway Program has had a tremendous effect on the departments that receive gear. For instance, Axtell (NE) Volunteer Fire and Rescue was in dire need of gear. The agricultural community had been hit hard in recent years due to falling crop prices, drop in the cattle market, and severe drought. This had a direct impact on the fire departments budget, and the demands on the department continued to increase while the tax revenue and donations fell. There was simply no money in the budget to replace the turnout gear, all of which were over 20 years old. Their condition is unsafe, as they are torn, frayed, missing reflective stripes, and ill-fitting, explained Chief Jeff England of the gear situation. Thus, it creates a life safety risk for fire personnel due to the condition of the turnout gear. He also worried because department members were unable to attend needed hands-on training until the turnout gear was updated. The Globe Gear Giveaway Program was a game-changer for the department. With the awarding of the Globe turnout gear program, we will be able to replace our turnout gear which will enable us to attend all needed training sessions as well as improve the life safety of our volunteers, England said. For the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department in Duffield, VA, a great concern was that they didnt have enough gear for their 20 active members. The gear they did have was all over 10 years old. We would be very grateful to have newer gear that we can trust and that is most importantly up to standard, Deputy Chief Leonard Bowen said about the need for the Globe gear. We are big on safety first and foremost, and with this gear at least on a few of our guys, not only would we be helping the community but also doing a great service by keeping our guys safer. One thing all of the departments shared was a great desire to improve the safety of the volunteers who risk their lives to protect their community. As a Fire Chief, it is very hard to watch your people do a job well and not be properly dressed for the task at hand, said Sam Bonovich, Chief of the Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Boise, ID. This sentiment was echoed by Chief Glenn Elmore of the Jackson Township (IN) Fire Department, which lost use of their fire station and a great deal of equipment in a 2008 flood. Your support is essential to help make the community a safer place, he said of the Globe Gear Giveaway Program. To have firefighters train to fight fire but cannot go into a structure because their gear is too old is very sad. The following departments each received new gear as part of the 2013 Globe Gear Donation Program: Axtell Volunteer Fire & Rescue (NE) Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department (ID) East Dixfield Fire Department (ME) East Glacier Park Volunteer Fire Department (MT) Golden City Fire & Rescue (AR) Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department (WV) Happy Jack Fire Services (AZ) Jackson Township Fire Department (IN) Jasper Volunteer Fire Department (VA) Jefferson Township Fire Department (OH) Lilbourn Volunteer Fire Department (MO) Monroe Hose Company (PA) Mossville Volunteer Fire Department (MS) Woodbury Heights Fire Department (NJ) Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2013 Globe Gear Giveaway Program and to all firefighters and emergency personnel who dedicate themselves every day to protecting their communities. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org for information on the 2014 Globe Gear Giveaway Program. About Globe: Globe Manufacturing Company is the largest and most trusted manufacturer of structural firesuits in the world. Over its 127 years, Globe has been responsible for introducing many of the materials, designs, and construction methods now taken for granted in personal protective equipment. Learn more at www. globeturnoutgear.com. About DuPont: DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com. About the NVFC: The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc. org.
Fire damages Fremont home

Everyone was able to get out safely from a Christmas morning fire at 1750 N. Main St. in Fremont. Capt. Tom Christensen of the Fremont Fire Department said smoke and fire were visible when firefighters arrived at about 9:20 a.m. When we pulled up, you could pretty much tell it was an attic fire just by seeing the visible fire through the window and the smoke coming through the eaves, Christensen said. Christensen said the fire was electrical in nature. The investigation traced it back to a space heater. The older construction of the home might have allowed for the fire to spread into the home, Christensen said. With this type of construction, the beams go all the way from the attic down to the basement, so thats how it breached into the house. Fire also moved into the roof of the porch and firefighters had to pull portions of its ceiling
down to make sure the blaze was under control. Due to an earlier medical call, Christensen said only two firefighters initially were available at the scene. Additional firefighters were added as all three shifts were called back to duty. While the fire was knocked down quickly, firefighters were still on the scene more than 90 minutes after arriving, pulling down insulation and checking for hot spots. Mild temperatures and calm winds helped in controlling the blaze. Still, Christensen said, sidewalks and other surfaces iced up, making for slick conditions. Christensen said the home did have working smoke alarms and two could be heard when firefighters arrived. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the residents of the home and Midwest Medical was placed on standby to help in case of additional medical calls. (Tribune, Fremont, Dec. 26, 2013)
Whats an inch tall and can move a re truck?

A classied ad in the Nebraska Fireghter!
The North Platte Fire Department (volunteers and career) and auxiliary, Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, North Platte Police Department, along with the Nebraska State Patrol, and Friends of the Koubeks are hosting the Tori Koubek Family Benefit on March 15, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds Ag Building. Tori, 35, mother of four children passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2013 at her home in North Platte. Tori and her husband, Shanon, served on the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Shanon is an officer with the Nebraska State Patrol, having also served with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and the North Platte Police Department. Events planned for the evening include a soup supper with friendly competition among several local groups, in which you pick the winners by your donations as to whom has the better soup. A silent auction with numerous items, followed by a live auction. Soup supper and silent auction begins at 5 p.m. and runs until8 p.m., central time, or until all the soups are gone. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. If you are willing to donate items for the auction, you can contact Layne Pyzer, at (308) 530-3490. If you would like to make a donation to the family, send your donations to the Tori Koubek Memorial in care of the First National Bank in North Platte, NE. Tori loved her community, serving it with pride as a member of our local volunteer fire department. She loved working with children, her own, her foster children, and the ones she had in her day care, (of which she claimed as her own). Now is the time we help support her family. Come join us on March 15, from 5-8 p.m. Central Time. Help judge just who is the Top Noodle in the soup wars, and show your support for the Koubek Family. May God Bless
Koubek Benefit
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NSVFA Officer Directory

President Dave Bertram P.O. Box 426 Sutherland 69165 308-660-9102 Cell chiefdeputy@gpcom.net 1st Vice President Jim Horn 515 Banner St. Schuyler 68661 402-352-5538 Res. jimdhorn@hotmail.com 2nd Vice President Dell Cerny PO Box 306 Arnold, NE 69120-0306 308-848-2417 Res. dcerny@gpcom.net Secretary/Treasurer William Bill Lundy P.O. Box 101 York 68467 800-642-6024 Office nsvfa@windstream.net Legal Advisor James M. Egr P.O. Box 46 David City 68632 402-367-3139 Office jamesegr@egrbirkel.com Lobbyist Gerald Stilmock P.O. Box 186 Syracuse 68446 402-269-2081 Office jerry.stilmock@bhhslawfirm.com District Directors #1 Parrish Abel 1500 A St. Gering 69341 308-641-4328 Cell Phabel_6566@hotmail.com #2 Cleon Schwede 513 N. Boyer Battle Creek 68715 402-649-8715 Cell cjschwede@yahoo.com #3 RALPH QUICK 340 N. County Rd. Sutherland, NE 69165 308-539-0778 sparkieq@prairieinet.net #4 Joel Cerny 1618 Denver St. Schuyler 68661 402-352-0389 Res. cerny_j@hotmail.com NSVFA Representative National Vol. Fire Council Norman E. Hoeft P.O. Box 135 David City 68632 402-367-4068 Res. eftmar750@windstream.net Alternate John Bomar P.O. Box 555 Madison 68748-0555 402-992-1560 Cell jbomar@telebeep.com Chaplain Rev. Todd Burpo P.O. Box 1446 Imperial 69033 308-883-1504 Cell todd@hifrministries.org
REPORTS FRoM YOUR NSVFA oFFIcERS

Dave Bertram, 1st Vice President
January was a very busy month with meetings and attending fire departments annual banquets. I would like to thank the York, Gering and Schuyler for inviting the officers of NSVFA to their banquets, as we all had a good time. On Jan. 25 we had a legislative meeting in Schuyler. Jerry Stilmock, lobbyist, was there and we reviewed proposed legislative bills that will be coming up in the 2014 Legislature. On Jan. 27, I attended the Senators Breakfast and had a chance to talk with the Senators about upcoming legislation. Again this month, I would like every one to get involved more with the NSVFA and think about running for office. That all for this month, everyone stay safe. David Bertram, President
Again this month, I would like every one to get involved more with the NSVFA and think about running for ofce.
I had a very good Christmas and New Year with my family. I had neck surgery in November to release pressure on the nerves going to my arms and hands causing them to go numb. The surgery was a success at this point in time. There is a lot brewing within the association and I am still trying to get familiar with all of the committees. As I write this, the NSVFA and the NFCs annual Legislative breakfast will be held on Jan. 27, 2014 and be over by the time you read this. I hope all who attended felt it was a very good and reward-
ing breakfast and meeting of your State Senators. I want to remind fire departments to submit their applications for Fire Prevention awards that will be presented at fire school. The deadline for the application is March 22, 2014. As a retired Fire Marshal, I would like to remind everyone to be extra careful with alternate heating appliances during this winter season. You can never be fire safe if you dont think about fire safety all the time. Dell Cerny, 2nd Vice President
I want to remind re departments to submit their applications for Fire Prevention awards that will be presented at re school. The deadline for the application is March 22, 2014.
Dell Cerny, 2nd Vice President
William Bill Lundy, Secretary/Treasurer

One last item concerning 2014 re school; the NSVFA now accepts credit cards for payment. The NSVFA started to accept credit card payments through its bookkeeping software and this is an easy way to make payment for registration for the 2014 re school and also catching up all of those new memberships for people that have joined your department and will be attending re school.
Fire and Rescue Members of the Nebraska State Volunteer Fireghters Association: As I write this, we are experiencing our January thaw with temps yesterday in the upper 40s low 50s. The temperature change is a welcomed after the polar vortex blew through earlier in the month. The colder temps also resulted in some major fire losses in the state. Plattsmouth and Columbus had major structure fires in their business districts and Syracuse had a major fire at their Methodist Church. Colder weather seems to result in large fires that are always more difficult to control due to the extreme weather conditions. The good news to all of this from what I have read and seen is that there was no loss of life or major injuries so a tip of the hat to all of the departments that helped out on these fires. As I am writing this, we the NSVFA office is gearing up for the NSVFA legislative breakfast. The legislative breakfast has become an annual event to help promote NSVFA legislative issues before our senators as well as a chance for the senators to meet constituents from their District. To date, twenty-five senators have indicated that they will attend and once again we are looking forward to this time with the legislative body. The 2014 Fire School book has been sent to the printer and
should be ready for mailing the third week of February with registration opening on March 17 and closing May 2, 2014. The Fire School Committee has worked very hard this year and has introduced new classes that should be an interest to a number of firefighters that feel that they have taken all of the classes at Fire School. I want to remind everyone that this is where your NSVFA membership pays off with NSVFA member registration being $100 and non-member registration fees set at $175. The Fire School vendor area is filling and everything is shaping up for another great 2014 Fire School. You may want to tell your boss that you would like to have May 16, 17, and 18 off to attend. Training officers and chiefs; once you get the book, sit down with your command staff and determine the courses that your members will take and hopefully these people will share the new knowledge they gain with members that werent able to attend. One last item concerning 2014 fire school; the NSVFA now accepts credit cards for payment. The NSVFA started to accept credit card payments through its bookkeeping software and this is an easy way to make payment for registration for the 2014 fire school and also catching up all of those new memberships for people that have joined your department and will be attending
fire school. If your department needs a credit card, call the office for information on the ATRIA Master Card Program or see more information on the NSVFA web site at http://www.nsvfa.org/news/ ATIRA_CC.htm. In the January issue, I wrote about attending the First Net meeting in Kearney with First Vice President Jim Horn and President of the Nebraska Fire Chiefs, Randy Barnes. The meeting was very informative and provided a lot of information on the 700 MHZ D block allocation for emergency services. The First Net 700 MHZ has a goal to provide mobile broadband coverage and service to emergency responders for data access. From that meeting, the NSVFA has been asked to appoint a representative to the Nebraska Working Group that will help identify users, the design, and priorities assigned by the network and keeping their peers informed. The request for a representative for a member to the working group from the NSVFA is an important step in making sure the Volunteer Fire/Rescue service has a seat at the table in the design and implementation of the next generation of communications systems for emergency responders. President David Bertram will make the appointment with approval from the rest of the Executive Board of the NSVFA. Please stay tuned for future information and developments. I also know that the Nebraska Municipal Fire Chiefs have also been asked to appoint a representative. Shortly after you receive your February issue of the Nebraska Firefighter the NSVFA vacation tour will leave from Omaha for five days in the sun at an all-inclusive resort near Cancun, Mexico. We had seven couples sign up for the trip and looking forward to a great time in the sun away from the winter weather. Look in the
March issues for pictures and think about where you might want to go or do in 2016. The NSVFA tries to plan a travel event every two years. The Nebraska State Legislature is in session and the NSVFA is following activities in Lincoln and also working towards promoting legislation favorable to volunteer fire and rescue members of the NSVFA. You have the opportunity to also promote volunteer service with your state representative. Many senators have sessions in their communities that describe what is going on and what the legislature is doing. Take time from your schedule to attend these informational sessions, let the senator know how you feel on topics that are important as a volunteer fire/rescue member, let them know you care. Even though I indicated that we are having a January thaw, we still have a lot of winter left. Historically, we usually receive our largest snows in March so winter hasnt left us. Please be careful in everything you do as emergency responders and remember the best call is the one that everyone goes home in the same shape they showed up in. Be Safe. Bill Lundy, Secretary-Treasurer
For some 5Alarm Deals... dont forget to check out the classifieds! Page 2
REPORTS FRoM YOUR NSVFA oFFIcERS AnD DIREcToRS

James M. Egr, Legal Advisor
Fellow Fireghters, The articles that appear in the Nebraska Firefighter have to be in at a certain time; namely, the month before the article appears. So, because I forgot about New Years, I wish all of you HAPPY NEW YEAR in February. Knowing what I just said, my article would seem a little more appropriate for January instead of February. However, I believe this article is appropriate every month. The beginning of the year is a time people make Resolutions in an attempt to improve themresult of that testimony, Senator Al Davis (Hyannis) introduced LB 772. In researching the issue, the original $10,000 cap was established when the law was created in 1996. The amount has remained the same since that time. In 2012, the law was amended to add hazardous material response to the Adjutant Generals authority. The bill was heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Another affirmative legislative goal sought by the Associations was the introduction of a bill authorizing Nebraska to join the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact. Senator Davis is also the main sponsor of this legislation (LB 820). In 2005, South Dakota requested its congressional delegation to introduce legislation at the federal level to create the Compact. President Bush signed the legislation in 2005. At that time, it was the eighth Compact in the United States to be created. The member states in the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact are South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Once of the main purposes The new year is now a month old and things are starting to get busy again. For some departments, the new year brings new officers to lead the departments, and for others, new members join their ranks. The officers of your NSVFA have been busy, too. At the end of January, the E Boards for both the NSVFA and the Chiefs Association as well as the legislative committees for both associations met to go over the upcoming Legislative Session and
The beginning of the year is a time people make Resolutions in an attempt to improve themselves by doing certain things or eliminating certain weaknesses.
selves by doing certain things or eliminating certain weaknesses. I would suggest the following Resolutions: Resolution 1: Make sure everyones top priority is to prevent fire. Wouldnt it be nice not to have to go out in the below freezing temperature to fight fires. Resolution 2: Make sure everyone is on board to be sure everyone comes back to the Fire Station. No matter how fast you drive or how many corners you cut, if you do not get to the scene you, do no one any good.
Resolution 3: Communicate with your fellow firefighters and rescue personnel, your town fathers, Rural Board, and your public. Keep everyone informed on the good things. Resolution 4: NEVER FORGET YOUR FAMILY. Your family supports you in your volunteer endeavors; let them know you appreciate the support and prayers by coming back home to them and showing your appreciation for their support. James M. Egr, Legal Advisor
The Legislature reconvened on Jan. 8 to begin the second session of the 103rd Nebraska Legislature. Several of the issues and topics at the forefront of discussions to start the Legislature were tax reform proposals, water projects, prison reform, and reconsideration of options regarding Medicaid expansion related to the Affordable Care Act. New bills will be introduced for the first 10 legislative days, concluding Jan. 22. Bills from 2013 are automatically carried forward to this legislative session. Among the bills, which will be considered early from the carryover legislation, is a bill which would ban the sale and distribution of hazardous novelty lighters. The legislation (LB 403) was introduced at the request of the NSVFA and NFCA by Senator Les Seiler (Hastings). Passage of the bill represents one of the legislative goals of the Associations. Children are attracted to hazardous novelty lighters because they look like toys, such as animals, miniature purses, blow dryers, mobile phones, stacks of coins, and cameras. Quite
remarkably, from the above list, notice that a child will mimic the adult use of the products they are designed to replicate. An adult will place a camera near their eyes for taking a picture, near their hair for blow drying their hair, and near their ear for talking on a cell phone. The problem is, children, and even some adults, are unable to distinguish what is a toy and what is a dangerous lighter. Full floor debate was scheduled to take place on the legislation at press time. Another affirmative measure requested to be introduced, by the Associations was to increase the authority of the Adjutant General to make expenditures of up to $25,000 for aerial fire suppression or a hazardous material response, without a State of Emergency Proclamation being issued by the Governor. Current law places the maximum limit at $10,000. The cap of $10,000 for aerial fire suppression was brought up during the interim study hearing on LR 341 conducted last fall. Several of the testifiers spoke of the need to increase the cap for aerial fire suppression. As a
Gerald Stilmock, Lobbyist

bills will be introduced for the rst 10 legislative days, concluding Jan. 22. Bills from 2013 are automatically carried forward to this legislative session.
of the Compact is for the member states to share resources and information during peak fire seasons. Compact member states have air assets, engines, handcrews, and dozers available to assist each other. The bill has been referred to the Business and Labor Committee. Senator Jim Scheer (Norfolk) introduced legislation clarifying that volunteer firefighters and volunteer rescue personnel would receive the maximum rate of workers compensation if injured, as described in the Act. The Associations worked closely with Senator Scheers office in retake a stance on the bills. That was followed up a few days later with the Legislative Breakfast at the State Capitol. If you were not able to attend, you missed out on talking with your Senator about some of the important issues affecting the firefighters of Nebraska. The E Board and fire school committee met at the end of January to start putting the finishing touches on this years fire school. There will be a lot of good classes again this year. searching the issue and assisting with the drafting of LB 895. This legislation has also been referred to the Business and Labor Committee. Finally, on behalf of the Associations, we wish to welcome Senator Tommy Garrett of Bellevue, who was sworn on Dec. 11 to represent Legislative District 3 located in Sarpy County. Senator Garrett is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and was appointed by Governor Heineman to replace Senator Scott Price, who resigned in November. Jerry Stilmock, Lobbyist On Feb. 15, the Wood River Fire Department will be hosting a Helmet Blessing Ceremony. This will be to honor Captain Bob Heminger and Captain Kenny Woitalewicz who lost their lives in the line of duty 10 years ago. It is times like these that reminds us of how short life is. That is why we need to remember that the only good calls are when everyone goes home safely. Parrish Abel, District Director New
On Feb. 15, the Wood River Fire Department will be hosting a Helmet Blessing Ceremony. This will be to honor Captain Bob Heminger and Captain Kenny Woitalewicz who lost their lives in the line of duty 10 years ago.
Parrish Abel, District 1 Director
REPORT FRoM NEBRASKA FIRE CHIEFS PRESIDEnT

Randy Barnes President, Nebraska Fire Chiefs
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and happy new year. I have been working with Chief Todd Bernt from the Fremont Fire Department to schedule a March 1 Chiefs Association meeting at 5:30 at the Fremont Fire Department. This will follow the national fire academy class. The academy classes are great classes, so please sign up on the State Fire Marshals training site. As far as training goes, the fire school books will be out soon with some exciting new classes, so sign up so you dont miss out on the class that you want. It seems like 2013 and 2014 finished and started with devastating results with large structure fires, frigid temps, high windsand fire related deaths. This might be the time to reevaluate your smoke detector program to find out if there are areas of improvement in your communities. There may be the possibility of grants or corporate sponsors to help with the costs to make sure everyone has a smoke detector. Randy Barnes, President, Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association
I have been working with Chief Todd Bernt from the Fremont Fire Department to schedule a March 1 Chiefs Association meeting at 5:30 at the Fremont Fire Department.
Needed: Action Fire Photos Please send them to jeff@nebraskareghter.com - along with an explanation of the photo.
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NSVFA AuXiliary 2014

President: Ruth Bertram, 1200 3rd St., Sutherland, NE 69165, 308-530-6548 1st Vice President: Kristi Rounds, 1334 Prospect, Blair, NE 68008 402-426-3108 2nd Vice President: Renee Kautz, 1645 15th St., Gering, NE 69341 308-436-5782 Treasurer: Carol Ulrich, 811 Winter Street, Wakefield, NE 68784; 402-287-2926 Secretary: Kathy Horn, 515 Banner Street, Schuyler, NE 68661, 402-352-5538 Executive Committee: Rhonda Chada, 1721 N. Sheridan, North Platte, NE 69101, 308-352-9016 Gerri Heywood, Box 192, Snyder, NE 68664, 402-568-2618 Jan Beerbohm, 5004 Ave. M Place, Kearney, NE 68847, 308-236-5322
Fire Prevention Nebraska Style

Hello to all in the cold state of Nebraska. The Farmers Almanac said it was to be bitter cold this winter and we all thought: Are you serious? They were right. And with the cold comes the auxiliary heaters. Mainly the space heaters and they work great and if used properly they do provide a lot of short term heat or warm a room up very well, as I said if used properly. A recent World Herald article, dated Jan. 2, stated that house fires caused by heaters are on the rise. Such blazes displaced 145 people in Nebraska and western Iowa just last month. Not too long ago, two small children died in Omaha caused by a space heater. A Fremont home destroyed by a space heater, Nebraska City mobile home destroyed, Stanton, Nebraska Steak House destroyed by a space heater. In the state of Louisiana three children were lost due to use of a space heater. Such a terrible loss for all the families and businesses due to heaters and also think of what the firefighters have to go through fighting those fires and afterwards. Now is the time for all in fire prevention and firefighters to get the word out to your areas and towns of the dangers of heaters and all other means of alternative heat, such as fireplaces. I have also seen ovens turned on to heat a room. Lately a fire in a home was caused when the lady turned her oven to high instead of off. It does not take long to let people in your areas know of the dangers of alternative heat. If anyone needs help in ideas of how to get the word out, please let anyone on the prevention committee know, they will be glad to assist you. Also now would be a good time to think about the fire prevention class at fire school. I am sure this topic will be discussed at class, and also how to use the media for fire prevention. Now is the time to think about getting your entry in for the Fire Prevention Award at Fire School. We need a lot of entries so we have something to judge this year. It is a lot easier to make out the entry this year. So until later, have a real good rest of the winter and please be safe. If you are safe and let all others know what you do to be safe, so will they also be safe. Also every fire you help prevent is one your department does not have to make a fire call and everyone is home and safe. THE EASIST FIRE TO PUT OUT IS THE ONE YOU PREVENT. Bob Tichota, Fire Prevention Committee Member
Blair Fire and Rescue Officers for 2014

The Blair Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has announced its company officers for 2014, which are as follows: Chief Kent Nicholson; Assistant Chief Dave Aten; Assistant Chief Brian Lundgren; District 1 Captains: Joe Leonard and Randy Backman; District 2 Captains:Joe Maguire and Chris Wulf; Rescue Chief Mark Hodson; Rescue Captains: Luke Jones and Mike Buttery; President Jerry West; Vice President Carl Lorenzen; Treasurer Brian Wrightson; Secretary Brenda Jenny; Board of Directors (1 open seat) Luke Jones. The department currently has more than 50 firefighters, including cadets. In 2013, the department responded to 752 calls which included: structure fires, car fires, automobile accidents, fire alarms, hazardous material calls, stormrelated responses, and medical first response. For more information about the department, membership, or to give a donation, please visit the department website at www. blairvfd.com or contact Kent Nicholson at 402.533.8566.
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Gresham re causes major damage

A residential fire in rural Gresham on Friday was attributed to a wood burning stove. Tom Bredwell, a member of the both the York and Gresham fire departments, said someone at the home called in the alarm about 4 p.m. The house is located south and east of Gresham. Bredwell, who lives in the community, said the Aaron Gruber house was fully involved when we arrived. He said Gresham Fire Chief Mark Dey reported heavy damage to the interior of the structure, the outside of which remained substantially intact and standing after the fire was suppressed. There were no injuries. Assisting immediately were the departments from Waco and Utica. York responded later with additional manpower and the jointly-owned lighting tower that is housed in York.
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11
FISCAL YEAR 2014 OMNIBUS FUNDING BILL RELEASED; INCLUDES FUNDING FOR FIRE SERVICE PROGRAMS
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the House approved H.R. 3547, the Fiscal Year 2014 omnibus spending bill. The $1.1 trillion spending package funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. Included in the bill are funds for several programs of importance to the nations fire and emergency services. The Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program are each funded at $340 million in the bill. This is an increase of $2.5 million for each program over the Fiscal Year 2013 level. The bill also funds the United States Fire Administration (USFA) at $44 million, the same level as in Fiscal Year 2013, and rejects a proposal by the Administration to transfer the State Fire Training Assistance Grant from USFA to the FIRE Grant Program. The Urban Search and Rescue System is funded at $35.18 million in the spending measure, also the same amount the program received in Fiscal Year 2013. The willingness of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to maintain funding for these important programs, and in the case of FIRE and SAFER grants increase funding, shows the commitment of our Congressional allies to Americas firefighter, said Bill Webb, CFSIs Executive Director. Because of the collective efforts of the nations fire and emergency services organizations, these programs continue to be successful and provide our first responders with the resources they need. Currently the federal government is operating on a continuing resolution (CR) which funds the government through Jan. 18. The omnibus spending bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to be approved before the CR expires. CFSI will continue to provide updates throughout the budget process. TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUES STATEMENT CLARIFYING STATUS OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT On Friday, Jan. 10, Mark J. Mazur, the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the U.S. Treasury Department, released a statement in response to the ongoing concern raised by several national fire service organizations and members of Congress from both parties. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires employers with more than 50 full-time employees (or their equivalents (FTE)) to provide health insurance to employees that work more than 30 hours per week. Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue Service has previously ruled that volunteer firefighters who receive nominal benefits from their fire departments (including stipends, end-of-the-year banquets and awards) count as employees of fire departments. This has led some volunteer fire departments to question whether or not they will be required to provide health insurance to their members under the employer mandate provisions of the health care law. In his statement on the issue, Mr. Mazur said, ...forthcoming final regulations relating to employer shared responsibility generally will not require volunteer hours of bona fide volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel at governmental or tax-exempt organizations to be counted when determining full-time employees (or full-time equivalents). While the final regulations have yet to be released, the guidance released by the Treasury Department clarifies that volunteer firefighters will not be counted as employees under the health care law. We are glad the Treasury Department listened to the concerns raised by the nations fire service and our allies on Capitol Hill, said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. CFSI worked closely with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus to resolve this issue and we look forward to reviewing the final regulations when they are released. In December, Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) and Senator Mark Warner introduced bipartisan legislation to exempt volunteer firefighters from being counted as employees under PPACA. CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS: 26th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Registration is now open for the 26th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Program, held April 30 - May 1, 2014 in Washington, DC. Hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the annual event brings together 2,000 leaders from the fire and emergency services for a unique educational experience on how legislation is advanced and programs implemented at the federal level. For two days, the presence of the fire and emergency services on Capitol Hill captures the attention of our federal legislators, sending them a powerful message to address the needs and challenges of our nations first responders. The theme of the 2014 program is Cultivating Relationships. At every level of government, fire service leaders need to develop and maintain close working relationships with elected officials. Relationships based on mutual respect and trust are essential to educating our elected officials about the challenges and needs of first responders. To continue making progress with our agenda, we must maintain relationships with veteran political leaders while reaching out to newly-elected leaders to help them understand how they can best serve and represent their local first responders. This is why Cultivating Relationships is the theme of the 26th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Program. This event is our major fundraising program. We need your support in order to maintain an active presence on Capitol Hill, working with members of Congress to help them understand your concerns and challenges. By attending, you can help us continue our efforts - effort that made a significant difference on Capitol Hill for the fire service in 2013 and the start of 2014 when sequestration has been forcing Congress to cut federal programs. Again, because of our efforts, Congress either maintained or increased funding for your most valued programs this fiscal year. Please join your fellow leaders of the fire and emergency services at our 2014 event. Seize this opportunity to meet with your members of Congress, network with your peers from the fire service, and increase your understanding of federal fire services programs by attending our seminars program.
Historic building gutted by fire

A wood-burning stove likely sparked a Thursday morning fire that damaged a historic Columbus building. Columbus firefighters battled the blaze and bone-chilling temperatures for about six hours at the former Columbus Coca-Cola Bottling Co. building, which was gutted by the flames. Smoke was reported at the 1065 17th Ave. property around 5 a.m. Thursday, but Columbus Fire Chief Dean Hefti said the fire likely started hours earlier. It probably burned all night before we realized it, said Hefti, who believes the flames originated from a wood-burning stove in the buildings basement. Someone was last inside the brick building owned by Jerome Griesman of Columbus around 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to the fire chief. The fire spread from the basement to the first and second floors, heavily damaging the interior of the more than 100-year-old building. Hefti said the structures exterior walls and roof are still salvageable. The flames were fueled by wood, cabinets and other materials stored inside the building, where the owner operated Griesman Art Gallery and Custom Picture Framing for many years. Griesman, who lives at 1922 10th St., could not be reached Thursday for comment. Hefti said the buildings contents, including some equipment, were a total loss. City crews hauled five or six dump-truck loads of charred items from the building before the floor was deemed unsafe, according to Hefti. Theres still a lot in there but we just couldnt get to it safely, he said. Fifty firefighters and several support vehicles, including two aerial fire trucks and one pumper, responded to the call, which was upgraded to a general alarm fire that summoned all four volunteer companies. Hefti said the firefighters worked in shifts, using an ambulance as a warming station in the single-digit temperatures. The building, also known as the C. Segelke Building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. According to the register application, it was built in 1887 by Charles Segelke, an early Columbus settler and prominent businessman who started Columbus Bottling Works. The building was later used by the Columbus Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
New command staff for the South Sioux City Fire Department in over 10 years!
With the beginning of the new year, there is a beginning of a new era for the South Sioux City Fire Department. The annual election of officers was held during the monthly business meeting in December. The members of the SSCFD voted the following members into the new roles to include a new Chief, First Assistant and Second Assistant. Chief Toby English; 1st Assistant Dan Comstock; 2 nd Assistant Henry Carranza; President Steve VanLaningham; Vice President J.R. Demetri; Secretary Matthew Ott; Treasurer Jay Mathis. These results and persons have gone before the City Council in January and were officially appointed by the city into these positions. A sincere thank you to the outgoing staff for all their years of service and dedication. Finally, we want to congratulate the newly elected officials and wish them all the best in their upcoming years.
Statement Issued Today from U.S. Treasury Department:

Treasury Ensures Fair Treatment for Volunteer Fireghters and Emergency Responders Under the Affordable Care Act By: Mark J. Mazur, Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy The Affordable Care Act requires that an employer with 50 or more full-time employees offer affordable and adequate health care coverage to its employees. For this purpose, full time means 30 hours or more per week on average, with the hours of employees working less than that aggregated into full-time equivalents. Employers that do not fulfill this obligation may be required to make a payment in lieu of meeting their responsibilities, which are described in what are called the employer shared responsibility provisions. An important question arises about how the hours of volunteer firefighters and other volunteer emergency responders should be taken into account in determining whether they are fulltime employees and for counting toward the 50-employee threshold. Treasury is acting to ensure that emergency volunteer service is accorded appropriate treatment under the Affordable Care Act. Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations on the employer shared responsibility provisions (Section 4980H of the Tax Code) in December 2012 and invited public comments.Numerous comments were received from individuals and local fire and Emergency Medical Service departments that rely on volunteers. The comments generally suggested that the employer responsibility rules should not count volunteer hours of nominally compensated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in determining full-time employees (or full-time equivalents). In addition, Treasury heard from numerous members of Congress who expressed these same concerns on behalf of the volunteer emergency responders in their states and districts. Treasury and the IRS carefully reviewed these comments and spoke with representatives of volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency personnel to gain a better understanding of their specific situations. Treasury and the IRS also reviewed various rules that apply to such volunteer personnel under other laws. These include the statutory provisions that apply to bona fide volunteers under Section 457(e) (11) of the Tax Code (relating to deferred compensation plans of state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations) and rules governing the treatment of volunteers for purposes of the Federal wage and hour laws. As a result of that review and analysis, the forthcoming final regulations relating to employer shared responsibility generally will not require volunteer hours of bona fide volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel at governmental or tax-exempt organizations to be counted when determining full-time employees (or full-time equivalents). These final regulations, which we expect to issue shortly, are intended to provide timely guidance for the volunteer emergency responder community. We think this guidance strikes the appropriate balance in the treatment provided to traditional full-time emergency responder employees, bona fide volunteers, and to our Nations first responder units, many of which heavily rely on volunteers. (Mark J. Mazur is the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the United States Department of the Treasury.)
12
YOu sHOuld HaVe YOur dePartment featured!
Just fill out the attached form and send it back with a group photo and well feature your department in an upcoming issue of the Nebraska Firefighter Newspaper.
Submitters Name_______________________________________ Submitters Phone #___________________ _____________________________________________________ Ofcers Name: Ofce: Department Name:_____________________________ _____________________ ______________________ Total Number of Members:_______________________ _____________________ ______________________ _____________________ ______________________ # Volunteer________________# Paid_______________ _____________________ ______________________ Year Department Established:____________________ _____________________ ______________________ # Fires Per year_______________________________ # Rescue/Extrication Calls Per Year________________ Is Your Dept. Fire & EMS Combined?_______________ # Pumpers________ # Tankers_________ # Rescue__________ # Ambulance_________ Other:____________________________________________________________________________________ Names in picture: (on separate form please)______________________________________________________
Mail to: Nebraska Fireghter Newspaper, PO Box 122, Humboldt, IA 50548 E-mail to: jeff@nebraskareghter.com
Please type the names as they appear in the photo. For best reproduction, please send or e-mail the actual photo and not a photocopy or scanned copy.
AXTELL
Members: 20 Volunteer: 20 Officers: Jeff England, Chief; Shawn Soderquist, Asst. Chief; Tyrell, Fickenscher, Capt.; Wayne Anderbery, Asst Capt.; Phil Larson, Training Officer; Billy Clubb Jr., Pres.; Spencer Quigley, V-Pres.; Jeff Haffey, Sec.; Mitch Petersen, Treas.; Dan Newman, Exec. Officer. Year Established: 1908 Fires Per Year: 17 Rescue/Extrication Per Year: 72 Fire/Ems Combined: Yes Equipment: 2 Pumpers, 2 Tankers, 2 Ambulance, 2 Grass Rigs, 1 Command Vehicle
Front row l to r: Phil Larson, Billy Clubb, Jr., Tim Cole, Wayne Anderbery, Tyrell Fickenscher, Shawn Soderquist, Jeff England, Nichole Rollins, Blake Haffey, Larurie Fauss. Back row l to r: Todd Ball, Jeff Haffey, Karter Rush, Dan Newman, Spencer Quigley, Mitch Petersen, Carol Christensen, Michael Sorensen. Not pictured: Eric Nelson, Gavan Ericson.
The Geneva Volunteer Fire Department held a practice burn on Saturday, Dec. 14. A dilapidated barn on the Mike Chaney farm on the edge of Geneva was burned. A total of 15 reghters participated in the training. The barn was on the ground in approximately 30 minutes.
13
Smokey Sez
Valentines Big Rock Rim is Nebraskas rst Firewise Community The part of Valentine that suffered the greatest structural losses during the 2006 Big Rock wildfire has become Nebraskas first Firewise Community. The Big Rock Rim Community encompasses an area on the northeast edge of town, north of Seventh St. and east of Main St. It contains 119 primary structures, many with outbuildings, and approximately 355 residents. It includes single-family homes, duplexes, two assisted living facilities, two churches, and a city park. Firewise Communities/USA is a national program that incorporates the efforts of individual homeowners, local communities, public agencies, and others to increase protection from wildfires for homes and communities. The Firewise approach involves landscaping, home construction/ design, and community planning. This is important because wildfires are inevitable, and they are becoming larger and more frequent. Because it is so difficult to stop large wildfires, the focus is shifting to preventative actions that can reduce potential fire intensity and structure ignitability BEFORE a fire starts. Property owners play an important role in protecting their homes by modifying their home ignition zones the area immediately surrounding structures within 30 feet, as well as in a larger area, 100-200 feet from structures. In residential neighborhoods, home ignition zones often overlap. The first step toward becoming a Firewise Community is doing a community assessment that evaluates a neighborhoods strengths and weaknesses in the context of vulnerability to wildfire. Kalli Kieborz, executive director of the Niobrara Council, worked with community leaders and the national Firewise program to identify an area for a pilot Firewise Community. She prepared the assessment, which was received with interest by community residents. The assessment identified several strengths of the neighborhood, such as a heightened awareness of the threat of wildfire, and two forest fuels reduction projects recently completed along the rim that have increased community safety while serving as demonstration projects. The document also identified several issues in the community that could be addressed to further increase community protection. These include things such as firewood and flammable yard accumulation close to structures, wood fences attached to homes, flammable vegetation surrounding buildings, and narrow, deadend access roads to homes. Although many of these issues can be addressed by individual homeowners, working in concert with adjacent residents can increase safety for the entire community. Some of the larger issues, such as access roads, are more efficiently addressed by community planners.
Kieborz noted that this is not a government program; it is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association a national, non-profit entity founded in 1896, with over 80,000 members. She said that participation in the program is entirely voluntary and will not cost people any money beyond what they decide to do to improve the safety of their own homes. She is also intrigued by the idea that proactively preparing homes to withstand the threat of wildfire has the potential for reducing homeowners insurance costs. Kieborz hosted an organizational meeting in November. The residents who attended agreed that participating in the program would be beneficial, and they formed a local Firewise team to develop and implement an action plan in which residents can participate to improve the safety of their neighborhood. In the brainstorming session that followed, the team identified both educational activities to increase neighborhood awareness and hands-on activities, such as a neighborhood chipping day, to get the program up and running. They are currently working with Kieborz and Seth Peterson of the Nebraska Forest Service to implement the plan. The establishment of this first community serves as a template to help create a series of such communities in the central Niobrara River watershed. Seed money for this program comes from Cherry County, which, over three years, received approximately $73,000 as payment in lieu of taxes from the Samuel McKelvie National Forest. These funds may only be used for certain purposes, one of which is the Firewise program. Cherry County has designated the Niobrara Council to manage these funds and administer the program along the Niobrara National Scenic River and nearby areas. Kudos to the Cherry County Board of Commissioners and the Niobrara Council for continuing the battle to make our communities safer, and congratulations to Valentines new Big Rock Rim Community for setting an example by becoming Nebraskas very first Firewise Community! Sandy Benson, Fuel Treatment Forester, Nebraska Forest Service
Geneva reghters Nate Graham, Jim Steider, Ralph Graham and Charlie Barbur (back, l to r) visited the Head Start Preschool. The students learned about what to do if they nd matches or a lighter. They learned about stop, drop and roll, and to call 911. They were able to see what a reghter wears and how he or she is wearing protective clothing to keep them safe. Some students were nervous at rst but then became more relaxed as they found out more about the gear. They also got to sit on the truck and blow the horn. Photo by Greg Scellin-Nebraska Signal.
Yankton Fireghters responded to a cabin re at the Robins Roost campground three miles southwest of Yankton on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River about 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 4. The owner had been thawing plastic pipes due to sub zero temperatures in a crawl space with a heat lamp, which is believed to be the cause. Entry efforts were hampered until the power could be cut by the power company. The oor had to be mostly removed as the re traveled the length of the crawl space making it difcult to get to hot spots. The log cabin was valued at approximately $25,000. By Deputy Chief Larry Nickles. Below: The Geneva Fire and Rescue Unit responded to a two-vehicle accident north of Geneva on US Highway 81 and the Burress corner on Nov. 26. One victim had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life and three victims were transported to the Fillmore County Hospital for treatment. The Fairmont Rescue Unit was dispatched for mutual aid. The departments were on the scene for approximately one hour. The accident remains under investigation. Photo by Greg Scellin of the Nebraska Signal.
14
Fire damage at Argo minimal, but delays the opening for new owners
The Crofton Fire Department responded to a call at the Historic Argo Hotel at 8:07 p.m. on Dec. 23 to what turned out to be an electrical fire. According to the owners, sparks from the wall outlet behind a sofa started the sofa on fire. There was a portable heater and extension cord plugged into the outlet at the time. The sprinkler system activated and doused the fire before it could spread beyond the sofa. There was water damage to the bar area and smoke damage throughout the building. The firemen used fans to ventilate the smoke from the building. The firemen were on scene for an hour. The Fire Marshals office was called and will inspect the building. Owner Lisa Hare said they are doing cleanup in the back bar area; cleaning up the minimal damage from the smoke and water from the sprinkler system now. They are hoping things will be ready for opening in a couple weeks. We had to cancel our New Years Eve opening, Hare noted, but we are looking forward to getting open in a couple weeks. The fire department also responded to a smoldering tree pile north of Crofton at 5:32 p.m. on Dec. 28. The tree pile had been lit on fire earlier in the day, but the wind became strong in the late afternoon, causing the embers to fan into a blaze. The firemen were able to put the fire out before it got out of control. Firemen were on scene for 45 minutes. (Journal, Crofton, Jan. 2, 2014)
York County Mutual Aid presented a plaque of appreciation to Senator Greg Adams for his outstanding contributions to the reghters of the State of Nebraska. Randy Barnes is shown presenting the plaque to Senator Adams.
Focus on Your Heart Health This February and All Year

By the National Volunteer Fire Council First responders are used to being there when others need them. Through fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other incidents, firefighters and EMTs are the ones community members count on to protect them in any kind of emergency. Yet these same first responders often neglect to take care of their own health and safety. Year after year, heart attack is the leading cause of line-ofduty death, and countless first responders struggle with medical issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. Fire and emergency medical services personnel are not alone in their risk of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 600,000 people die of heart disease every year, making heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women. What makes the fire service unique is the intense pressures and high intensity nature of the job. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that emergency firefighting duties were associated with a risk of death from coronary heart disease that was markedly higher than the risk associated with nonemergency duties. Fire suppression had the highest risk. This is probably not surprising to most first responders. What is surprising is that there are still so many firefighters and EMS personnel who are not taking proactive measures to reduce their risks of heart attack and heart disease. First responders must be ready at a moments notice to battle very demanding emergencies. Emergency response personnel must be physically and mentally prepared for the job at hand. February is American Heart Month, an annual event that is designed to renew the nations commitment to fighting heart disease and increase public awareness of how to prevent this deadly illness. While heart health should always be a priority, American Heart Month creates an opportunity to reaffirm and re-energize our commitment to a leading healthy lifestyle. While getting and staying healthy takes some work, help is available. For emergency services personnel, the NVFC HeartHealthy Firefighter Program offers resources for individuals and departments to focus on their health. These include tools to start and expand a department health and wellness program, fitness demonstrations, healthy recipes, health assessment tools, success stories, training webinars, the Health and Wellness Advocate Workshop, smoking cessation resources, and more. In addition, the interactive Fired Up for Fitness Challenge motivates first responders to get active by providing incentive rewards for meeting fitness goals. Find all of these tools and more at www. healthy-firefighter.org. There are many simple steps you can take to begin on the path to heart health. These include: Aim for a healthy weight. It is important for a long, vigorous life. Excess weight and obesity cause many preventable deaths. Get moving. Make a commitment to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Eat for heart-health. Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Be sure to include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Know your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and blood glucose. Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal. If you smoke, try to quit. People who smoke are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers. Be proactive in your health and work to prevent avoidable illness and tragedy. With so many people who depend on you your family, your department, and your community you cannot afford to put off taking care of yourself. Find more steps, tips, and resources for becoming heart healthy on the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site at www.healthy-firefighter.org.
Whats an inch tall and can move a re truck?

A classied ad in the Nebraska Fireghter! Call 515.604.6400 to get your truck moving fast!
The next Northeast Mutual Aid meeting will be Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. at Madison Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 204 West 1st Street in Madison. The program will be on the October tornado in Wayne, presented by Nick Kemnitz, Wayne County Emergency Manager.
Northeast Nebraska
A massive field fire, which appears to have burned at least two quarters of land, erupted at approximately 2 p.m., Thursday. The fire was located in the vicinity south of Road 10 and west of Road V in Hamilton County southwest of Hampton. The fire, which burned very quickly, was whipped into a frenzy by powerful winds. Responding to the blaze were fire departments from Hampton, Aurora and Henderson.
Fire ravages fields near Hampton
As the fire moved south, there were major concerns regarding Interstate 80. There were worries that the fire was going to jump the interstate and there were literal issues with motorists contending with heavy smoke. At least one injury accident was reported on the interstate, caused by that visibility issue but no information regarding that accident was yet available. All westbound traffic was routed off the interstate at the Hampton exit.
15
Christmas Eve re destroys mobile home

Christmas 2013 wont be forgotten by two families in David City whose homes were heavily damaged by fire on Tuesday. We are trying to do the best we can at this point, said Tom Beck Sr., whose house at Lot 16 of Lakeside Estates was damaged by fire. Everybody made it through. Butler County Sheriff Mark Hecker said reports of a garage on fire in the Lakeside Estates subdivision came in at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. The fire heavily damaged Becks house, destroyed his small garage, and gutted the house next door, Lot 17, the home of Elizabeth Novacek and her daughter Mikayla Weigle. No one was at Novaceks house and the Becks, Tom Sr. and his wife Donna, were able to get out before the west end of their home was in flames. It had already been a tough year for the Becks. Donna Beck had just completed treatment for throat cancer, which required surgery. It has taken a family effort to get Donna to her appointments in Omaha. On top of that the Becks son Tom Beck Jr., 30, requires ongoing therapy from schizophrenia. Tom Sr. balances the familys medical needs with his truck driving job, hauling eggs from Iowa to the Henningsen Foods processing plant in David City. Donna Beck has worked at Henningsen Foods for 14 years. On Wednesday, the Becks youngest son, Ted, was putting a tarp over the damaged house with help from his friend Logan McAllister. Ted was on his way to Columbus on Tuesday when he heard about the fire. The family would have been at home hanging out and watching TV on Christmas at their home of three years. He said the Beck house could be repaired and that possessions can be replaced. We are more thankful that nobody got hurt, Ted Beck said. The Novacek house was a total loss. Liz Novacek said she was grateful for the help she has received, mainly from her coworkers at the Tenneco plant in Seward, where she has worked for nine years. Conveying her gratitude, she said, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It has meant a lot to us. On Wednesday, Novaceks parents Jerry and Nancy Schlamann had come from Dorchester to salvage what they could from the house. The fire destroyed some family heirlooms and the possessions of Mikayla, 16, and her brother David, 11. Mikayla attends East Butler High while David attends school in Seward and lives with his father. Davids dog, Mikey, was being boarded at the Bar S Vet Clinic a block away. The family had lived at the house since July. Novacek said she has some friends to stay with until she finds a permanent home. Both families received some emergency aid from the American Red Cross and the Butler County Ministerial Association. David City Fire Chief Matt Hilger said the fire was brought under control fairly quickly, but that fires generally spread so fast in mobile homes that it is difficult to lessen the damage. The firefighters brought in tanker trucks because the nearest hydrant is a block away along Nebraska 15. Firefighters from Brainard and Bellwood assisted at the scene. Hilger said that the use of a foamwater mixture helped in the quick response. Theres no doubt that bought us some time until we had water on the scene, Hilger said. As of late Wednesday friends of the two families were organizing relief efforts. Liz Novaceks Facebook page had information about an account set up at the Wal-Mart store in Seward. For more information about the relief effort, watch for reports in The Banner-Press and at thebanner-press.com. (Telegram, Columbus, Dec. 26, 2013; written by Larry Peirce, staff writer.)
Christmas fire kills two ducks

A fire Christmas morning claimed the life of two ducks near Highway 75 and LaPlatte Road. Bellevue Fire Battalion Chief Joseph Gibilisco said firefighters responded at 10:33 a.m. last Wednesday at 856 Allied Road. They found a mobile home engulfed in flame from stem to stern. The trailer was completely burned out, Gibilisco said. There were two ducks inside the trailer at the time. Both of them died. The ducks were kept in the trailer on cold, winter days, he said, and the trailer was also used for storage. It was filled with paper and other highly combustible materials. The Bellevue Fire Department brought in a front loader from the Sarpy County Public Works Department to take the roof off and go through the debris. Gibilisco said the department was worried a transient may have taken refuge in the trailer but no remains were found. People will try to find shelter anywhere they can, he said. An inspector from the State Fire Marshals Office was brought in to determine the cause of the fire. The cause was determined to be a heat lamp left on in the trailer. (Leader, Bellevue, Jan. 1, 2014; written by Scott Stewart, managing editor.)
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16
Toyne Adds Technology to Enhance Production Process

As part of their commitment to superior craftsmanship and the industrys highest quality standards, Toyne recently invested in additional technology that will allow the fire and emergency apparatus manufacturer to significantly advance their design and construction techniques. The rapidly growing company implemented a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine and innovative CAD software, providing customers with a new level of precision and customization during the production process. The CAD software will allow for more elaborate customization during the digital design and drafting phase, while the laser cutting machine will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of individual part production. Both processes give Toyne the ability to create a more exact product that meets customers individual specifications from the beginning phases of development through vehicle completion. In addition to these technology developments, Toyne recently added a 25,300 sq. feet state-ofthe-art paint facility providing them with ample space to uphold their high quality standards in painting and detailing apparatus before it leaves the companys doors. The company has also undertaken a comprehensive corporate rebranding initiative, releasing its new brand identity at their annual dealer summit this past fall. The technology advancements, facility expansion and brand relaunch are all part of Toynes renewed focus on their high quality standards and the companys customization capabilities. We are excited about continuing to evolve at Toyne by acquiring the newest technology available and advancing our capabilities, said Jerry Schmacher, Head of Engineering at Toyne. It makes us better able to serve our customers and their visions, while producing the most high quality, cutting-edge products in the industry.
Fire destroys one home, damages another Saturday

Home of Glen and Rose Hagemeier destroyed Firefighters fought two blazes and frigid temperatures in Beatrice and north of Beatrice Saturday night. Beatrice Rural Fire was called to a fire at 22283 Southwest 32nd Road just before 10 p.m. Saturday after a two-story home was reportedly engulfed in flames, Chief Jim Engel said. When we arrived on scene the house was engulfed and venting through the roof, Engel said. The residents of the home, Glen and Rose Hagemeier, were able to escape the blaze and reportedly left the scene with family, Engel said. Beatrice Fire and Rescue and Pickrell Fire were also called to assist fighting the fire approximately two miles north of Industrial Park, with Pickrell Fire supplying a tanker truck and a pumper truck. Engel said as many as 45 firefighters were on scene from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., while some hot spots continued to burn Sunday afternoon. The only part of the structure left standing was the fireplace. Engel said the severe cold and wind chills did not hamper firefighters working near the blaze, but some equipment difficulties were created Saturday night. Staying warm is the hard part, but being close to the fire and working is not an issue until you slow down, Engel said. We didnt have any trouble with the pumps and hoses, where we did have a little bit of an issue was at the hydrant to refill the tankers with water freezing on the valves and the fittings. The fire was believed to be an electrical fire, Engel said, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident. Earlier Saturday evening, Beatrice Fire was called to an attic fire at 126 North Graham Street just before 8 p.m. Captain Craig Fisher said. Everybody was outside when they got there, they saw smoke and flames coming out of exhaust holes in the attic, Fisher said. The Board of Public Works disconnected power to the home and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze while containing the damage to the attic. Fisher said the damage was estimated at $11,500. There were no injuries. (Daily Sun, Beatrice, Jan. 6, 2014; written by Chris Dunker, news editor.)
If you move, please let the NSVFA Secretary/ treasurer know!
PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THInG
The Postal Service charges the NSVFA for each address correction if they have to send it to us. With so many members, this can add up quickly. Please mail your new address to: NSVFA, William Lundy, PO Box 101, York, NE 68467 phone: 402-362-2255
nsvfa@windstream.net
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www.NSVFA.

8,000 February, 2014

Hurst Jaws of Life Demo Rescue Tool Clearance

Toll Free 866-568-2200 www.danko.net

Po Box 218 Snyder, NE 68664-0218

Immediate Delivery Available First Come - First Served!

Demonstration Tools Available At Special 2013 Pricing

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