This past week was National Volunteer Firefighters Week. The week celebrates and honors the contributions of volunteer firefighters across the United States. This week typically includes various events and activities aimed at recognizing their dedication and service to the community. In the United States, volunteers make up 65% of all firefighters. In District 42, all firefighters are volunteers except for a limited number of paid firefighters employed by the city of North Platte.

Given the devastating wildfires we have experienced this past year, and indeed the last several years, it is not hard to see how critical our local volunteer firefighters are to protect our property and our lives. It is also easy to compare this to the North Platte Canteen’s work during World War II. The Canteen effort seemed overwhelming (and it was), yet everyday citizens donated their time and resources when many were already rationing because of the war effort. Despite the challenge, these volunteers from a wide area showed up to support their fellow citizens. Every time I hear the Canteen story, I am amazed and proud to live among the descendants of these amazing volunteers. I am equally impressed by the commitment of our volunteer firefighters, who do more than just volunteer their time to protect their fellow citizens. Many probably don’t realize that volunteer firefighters pay for their own transportation to go to fires and give up time that would be spent at their paid jobs to participate in training and actual fires. Unlike a structural fire that may last a few hours, the wildfires raged on for weeks at a time, day and night. I can only imagine the fatigue that many felt while performing their “volunteer” duties.

I also want to recognize those who employ volunteer firefighters and allow them the time to do their “second” job. In some cases, they are paid, and in others they are unpaid. Nonetheless, it takes everyone to make all this happen. I cannot imagine how much more devastating the wildfires would have been without our volunteer firefighters. With the Canteen effort, the volunteers came from a wide area stretching into Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming, plus the entire panhandle and into central Nebraska. The same happens with firefighting. The wildfires were so large that volunteers from as far east as Omaha and many paid forces also showed up to assist. It is like Governor Pillen always says, it is the people that make Nebraska special. In our area of the state, the Canteen spirit continues to present itself when a crisis arises. We live in a very special place!

Our volunteers also include our EMS personnel who provide emergency medical assistance. This is another area where our neighbors volunteer their talents to provide life-saving services. Again, they are unpaid and, in most cases, pay for their own training and certification. During our trip to Thedford a few Saturdays ago to participate in the Thomas County fair parade and barbecue, I had the chance to visit with Pat Neben, who has over 47 years of service as an active EMT while also working with 4-H and extension. Pat took the time to visit with me about the ongoing challenges of finding and retaining volunteers, especially in small communities. Pat is a great example of commitment to public service and devotion to her community. I will continue to work to find ways to better support the effort you are so committed to.

We are truly blessed to have volunteers like our firefighters and EMTs to serve and protect us.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mike.jacobson@leg.ne.gov.