Honoring Our Fallen, Strengthening Our Future
They say not all heroes wear capes, and this rings especially true for the brave men and women who serve as volunteer firefighters and EMS providers. Across Nebraska, dedicated volunteers answer the call when their communities need them most. They put others before themselves, often leaving their families, jobs, and daily lives behind to respond to emergencies and help those in need. While they may not have superhuman abilities, their courage, compassion, and commitment are truly extraordinary.
Sadly, our firefighter and EMS heroes are not immortal. Each year, we pause to remember those who have passed away and to honor the lives they lived and the difference they made in their communities. The Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association’s annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service provides an opportunity for departments, families, friends, and fellow firefighters to come together and pay tribute to those who have given so much in service to others.
The memorial service serves an important purpose. It allows us to honor our fallen, keep their memories alive, support their families and departments, strengthen the bonds within the firefighting community, and remind future generations of the dedication and sacrifice that define the volunteer fire service.
By honoring the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of those who came before us, we help ensure that their legacies continue. Their names represent more than a line in a memorial—they represent lives of service, friendships, families, and communities forever changed by their contributions. I hope you will join us on September 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center in Kearney, Nebraska, as we come together to honor and remember these courageous individuals. It is an opportunity to stand together as an association, support one another, and ensure that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Our 2026 Annual Conference is just around the corner, and this year’s conference will include elections for several open NSVFA Board positions. The positions up for election include:
- President
- 1st Vice President
- 2nd Vice President
- Secretary/Treasurer
- District 2 Director
- District 4 Director
In addition, the appointed NVFC Director position is open. Members interested in being considered for this appointment must meet the following qualifications:
· Be an active member of the NSVFA in good standing.
· Have been a member of, or currently serve on, an NSVFA committee.
· Be an active volunteer or paid-on-call firefighter with five or more years of service; or
· Be a chief officer of a volunteer, paid-on-call, or combination fire department; or
· Be a volunteer or paid-on-call EMS provider with five or more years of service.
Those interested in the appointed NVFC Director position are asked to submit a letter of interest to our Executive Director, Taylor Moore, by sending it to the NSVFA office at PO Box 10, Milford, NE 68405, faxing it to 402-761-2224, or emailing it to staff@nsvfa.org.
Strong leadership comes from members who are willing to step forward and serve. If you have ever considered becoming more involved in the NSVFA, I encourage you to consider running for one of these positions or supporting those who are willing to serve. Your experience, involvement, and commitment can make a meaningful difference in the future of our association and Nebraska’s volunteer fire service.
I also want to share with you that I will be a candidate for the open Secretary/Treasurer position. It has been an honor to serve you as President, and I am truly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and opportunities I have had over the past several years. Serving as President has given me an even greater appreciation for the dedication of our members and the important work being done by volunteer firefighters and EMS providers across Nebraska.
While my role may change, my commitment to the NSVFA and the volunteer fire service remains the same. I understand the responsibility that comes with this three-year commitment, and if elected, I look forward to continuing to serve our members, working alongside our Board of Directors, and helping move our association forward.
Thank you for your continued support of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association. Whether you attend conferences, serve on committees, volunteer at events, support association programs, or simply take the time to vote, your involvement is what makes this association successful. Every member has a role in helping strengthen our organization and ensuring that the voice of Nebraska’s volunteer fire service remains strong.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the October Conference as we continue working together to strengthen the NSVFA and support Nebraska’s volunteer fire service. The deadline for early registration is September 15, 2026. Please take a few minutes today to complete your online registration at https://www.nsvfa.org/conference.
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As always, if you have a meeting or event you would like me to attend, please reach out. I will make every effort to be there and support your department and members. Here are upcoming events you don’t want to miss:
- NSVFA Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
September 20, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center
Kearney, Nebraska
- 2026 NSVFA Annual Conference
October 15–17, 2026
Hosted by the Dakota City Fire Department
Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
Brenda Jenny
President, NSVFA