A Year of Service, Strength and Brotherhood

As my year serving as President of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on everything we have experienced together. It has been a year filled with challenges, accomplishments, concerns and, most importantly, countless examples of what makes Nebraska’s volunteer fire service so special.

This year, Nebraska experienced significant wildland fires that tested departments and communities across our state. In March, conditions became serious enough that a statewide burn ban was issued as state and local resources responded to major fires in central and western Nebraska. Later in the spring, additional significant wildfires required coordinated responses involving local firefighters and state resources. Through these incidents, we once again witnessed volunteer firefighters answering the call, departments assisting neighboring departments and communities coming together when help was needed most.

We also saw tremendous support from businesses, organizations and individuals throughout Nebraska. Whether it was providing meals, water, equipment, supplies, financial assistance or simply saying “thank you,” the support shown to our firefighters was a reminder that our communities recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by the men and women of the volunteer fire service.

This year also required us to pay close attention to issues in Lincoln that could affect our departments. Governor Jim Pillen has continued efforts to reduce state spending, including directing state agencies, boards and commissions to identify additional savings. Those discussions have included the State Fire Marshal’s Office, an agency that provides services and training that are extremely important to Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments. We have watched these developments closely and continue to express our concerns about the potential impact that reductions could have on our annual Fire School along with the training and resources available to local departments and our firefighters.

We also remained engaged in the legislative process. We followed and voiced our concerns regarding LB400, legislation dealing with workers’ compensation for cancers experienced by firefighters both paid and volunteer, as well as other legislative proposals that had the potential to affect Nebraska’s volunteer departments. LB400 ultimately was indefinitely postponed at the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session. Regardless of the issue, it is important that the voices and experiences of Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters continue to be heard when decisions are being made that could affect our departments and our ability to serve our communities.

Through all of it, one thing remained constant: we stood beside each other.

That is what our fire service does. When one department needs help, another responds. When one firefighter is struggling, another reaches out with a helping hand. When our profession faces challenges, we come together and make our voices heard. We may come from different departments and different parts of Nebraska, but we share the same commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

As I look toward the future of the NSVFA, I am encouraged and excited about our upcoming new Board. I am also extremely proud of the work accomplished by our current Board of Directors. I want to thank each Board member for your time, dedication, ideas and willingness to serve. Being on this Board requires time away from family, work and your own departments, and I sincerely appreciate everything you have given to the NSVFA and its members.

Most of all, I want to thank you — the members of the NSVFA.

Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout my year as President. Thank you for the conversations, the phone calls, and the friendships. Thank you for trusting me to represent this Association and Nebraska’s volunteer fire service.

The friendships, fellowship and brotherhood and sisterhood we share within the fire service are difficult to put into words. They cross department boundaries, county lines and generations. They are built through calls, training, conferences and sometimes through the most difficult moments we face together. It is something every one of us should be proud to be a part of.

Serving as your President has been an honor that I will always cherish. I am grateful for the opportunity, proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the future of this Association. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at Conference this year, renewing old friendships, making new ones and celebrating the incredible men and women who make up Nebraska’s volunteer fire service.

Until then, stay safe, take care of one another and never forget what an honor it is to be part of this fire service family.

Brenda Jenny
President
Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association