Joe Ricketts Supports First Responders, Education, Conservation, Art & More

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Mr. Joe Ricketts into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 7th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 11, 2023. 

J. Joe Ricketts founded the brokerage Ameritrade

A pioneer in the use of technology to revolutionize the financial services sector, J. Joe Ricketts founded the brokerage Ameritrade, a securities industry leader that empowered self-directed investors with innovative investment tools and training.

After graduating from Creighton University in 1968 with an economics degree, Mr. Ricketts began his professional career first as a branch manager at Dun & Bradstreet, then as a registered representative with Dean Witter. In 1975, he co-founded First Omaha Securities, a retail securities brokerage firm in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade for approximately $26 billion

Mr. Ricketts recognized that featuring negotiated commissions would allow the firm to take advantage of the newly deregulated discount securities market. Under Mr. Ricketts’ leadership, First Omaha Securities grew quickly and, through the use of innovative technology and marketing, evolved into Ameritrade, which managed hundreds of billions of dollars in client assets. In 2020, The Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade for approximately $26 billion, combining the firms into one of the largest global financial powerhouses with approximately $6 trillion in client assets.

Omaha Opportunity Education Joe Ricketts Supports First Responders, Education, Conservation, Art & More

The Foundation thanks Mr. Ricketts for supporting first responders and their families and the Foundation. On September 25, 2021, Mr. Joe Ricketts/Straight Arrow News hosted Omaha’s Rally for the Responders. This day was dedicated to those who put our city first during a time like no other. It was a day to celebrate first responders, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, nurses, and doctors who showed us what courage and duty are all about during the COVID pandemic.

The Rally was the ultimate thank-you party for First Responders

They cared for the citizens of our community, protected us, and kept our city going. The Rally was filled with live music, food, exotic horses, first responder vehicles, carnival games, and fireworks. The Foundation had a booth where people wrote notes of thanks to first responders and children drew pictures of appreciation. It was held at TD Ameritrade Park and it was 100% free. It was an extraordinary and extravagant, one-of-a-kind day and event. To say the least first responders and their families felt the appreciation.

Mr. Ricketts/Straight Arrow News made a difference in the lives of first responders and their families. Making a difference is not something unusual when it comes to Joe Ricketts. Since 2008, Mr. Ricketts has devoted himself to a variety of entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures, including: 

Opportunity Education Foundation

Opportunity Education Foundation is a charitable foundation with the mission of developing and supporting life-changing learning programs for young adults worldwide.

This provides young people worldwide with educational resources to succeed in life, today and tomorrow. Today’s world is dynamic, connected, and changing, raising new questions all the time. For students to succeed, they need more than fixed answers — they need the ability to keep growing and adapting to the world they find. Quest Forward Learning, the curriculum of Opportunity Education, activates lifelong curiosity in each student, cultivating the mindset, essential habits, and skills to succeed in life and work. Success isn’t about answering old questions. It’s about seeing opportunities to create value and having the skills to do so — for yourself, for your community, and for the world.

Quest Forward Academies

Quest Forward Academies are high schools designed around active, student-centered learning using projects, reflection, and rich feedback to help students learn and grow. There is a Quest Forward Academy in Omaha.

The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation

The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation established in 2017 offers 3-day silent retreats to men and women of all faiths. 

More than twenty years ago, Joe Ricketts attended a Jesuit retreat in Minnesota that changed his life. In the midst of a demanding career, his first silent weekend of reflection and study revealed what mattered most to him: family, morality, and honesty. Attending a yearly Jesuit retreat has been a staple of his spiritual life ever since.

The Cloisters Platte FoundationMr. Ricketts had long dreamed of making the Jesuit retreat experience available to more people. The Cloisters on the Platte is the realization of that dream. Mr. Ricketts personally funded the Foundation’s construction of the retreat property. Ongoing operations are funded through a combination of donations by retreatants (free will offerings), donations by people visiting the Stations of the Cross, and product sales. The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors.

The Cloisters on the Platte Retreat Center retreats are based on the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who lived from 1491 to 1556. During his lifetime, St. Ignatius composed a brief set of meditations, prayers, and mental exercises to be used by men and women seeking to discern God’s will in their lives. Every year, The Cloisters brings the power of quiet reflection to people seeking spiritual renewal. 

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the CrossThe Stations of the Cross located at the Retreat Center are accessible without attending a retreat. Walk the length of the Stations of the Cross and you will have covered the 2,500 steps Jesus Christ took from Jerusalem to his crucifixion. Life-size bronze statues tell the story of Jesus’ path to his death. Each stop along the path includes an audio description of the events leading from his sentence of death by Pontius Pilate to his entombment.

The bronze statues stand about seven feet tall and were created by 10 artists from around the United States. The Stations of the Cross are the only area of the retreat open to the public. As you walk along the route, you’ll notice the beauty of the area, with treelined rolling hills. 

Ricketts Conservation Foundation

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation was founded by Joe Ricketts to support the conservation of wildlife and wilderness areas, promoting the importance of environmental stewardship as an enduring value. Central to Mr. Ricketts’ belief is the idea that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. In a world facing increasingly complex environmental challenges, private sector resources play an ever-greater role in the conservation of wildlife and wilderness areas. By answering this need, and encouraging others to do the same, the Ricketts Conservation Foundation aims to make a difference in the quality of life enjoyed by future generations.

Ricketts Art Foundation

The Ricketts Art Foundation was founded to enrich people’s lives by providing innovative access to the works of important visual, performing, and literary artists, both current and past. As its first project, The Foundation partnered with The Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Museum of Mountain to create The Alfred Jacob Miller Online Catalogue.

Straight Arrow News

In June of 2021, Mr. Ricketts launched Straight Arrow News. Straight Arrow News is committed to fair, factual, unbiased journalism and political commentary that encourages viewers to make up their own minds. By approaching every issue from an objective, middle ground and highlighting underreported stories, the aim is to empower people with context and facts. 

Mr. Ricketts owns:

Village Pie Maker

The Village Pie Maker pies are handcrafted in small batches with care and attention to every detail using premium quality fruit with fillings made from scratch—never from a can. The buttery, flaky crust is gently rolled and then crimped by hand. The delicious “take and bake” frozen fruit pies can be found nationwide in many local grocery stores and markets.

High Plains Bison

From mouth-watering bison burgers and sausages to tender, hand-cut bison steaks, High Plains Bison offers a wide variety of premium bison products that are easy to prepare and great for grilling. 

Mr. Ricketts is also the author of the book

The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get An Entrepreneur’s Memoir (2019).

Simon and Shuster shares,

“Joe Ricketts always had the gift of seeing what others missed. The son of a house builder, he started life as a part-time janitor, but by the age of thirty-three, he saw the chance to challenge the big brokerage firms by offering Americans an inexpensive way to take control of their own stock trading. Nowadays, we take for granted that Main Street is playing right there on Wall Street, but Ricketts made that happen. His company, begun with $12,500 borrowed from friends and family, took off like a rocket thanks to an early embrace of digital technology and irreverent marketing. But Ameritrade also faced a series of near-disasters: the SEC almost shut him down; his partners tried to force him out because of his relentless risk-taking; penny brokers swindled the company; the crash of 1989 nearly cost him everything; and he was almost shut down again when a customer committed massive fraud. By the time of the dot-com bust, he had proven that his strategy based on frontier values could survive just about anything.”

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Ricketts and his wife of more than 60 years have four children and fourteen grandchildren.

Omaha’s Rally for the Responders

The Foundation again thanks Mr. Ricketts for his support of the Foundation and first responders and for hosting Omaha’s Rally for the Responders. It was the ultimate thank-you party for First Responders.

We sincerely thank him for all he has done and continues to do to make a difference for people in our local community and throughout the world.

For more information on the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

More information on the Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

For more pictures from Omaha’s Rally for the Responders visit our Facebook page here.

 

Justin Cooley Sees A Problem And Makes A Difference

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Justin Cooley into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 7th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 11, 2023. Justin was the keynote speaker for the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor in 2022.

Justin Cooley Sees A Problem And Makes A Difference


Captain Cooley is a captain with the Omaha Fire Department and the father of three teenagers. He was born and raised in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area.  While growing up, his family experienced two house fires within one year of each other. That is where his desire to become a first responder began. The second fire was the result of a lightning strike. Although he wasn’t there at the time, the fire started in his bedroom. He had just left that morning, and upon returning home, he recalled the kindness of the firefighters. The firefighters explained his family was unable to enter their house, but asked if there was anything important they could try and get for him. That kindness is something he has tried to emulate throughout his life. 

Career

Captain Cooley’s career in the fire and EMS service began at the age of 18. He was a volunteer firefighter while attending school at Creighton University and Iowa Western Community College. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services and two Associate of Science degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Business Management. Justin worked at two local hospitals in their emergency departments, as well as an EMS transport company while pursuing his goal of becoming a career firefighter.

Justin was hired by the Omaha Fire Department in February of 2007. He has served the majority of his career at Station 1 downtown, and Station 21 in northeast Omaha. In February 2020, Justin was promoted to Captain and was assigned to Station 42, near 102nd & Maple. Beyond serving the citizens of Omaha as a firefighter, he also holds certifications as a Paramedic and a Special Operations Technician.

As a member of OFD, Captain Cooley has served for over 10 years on the EMS Committee, and the last two years on the Peer Support Committee.  He also serves as a Peer Support Member for OFD and the First Responders Support Team (FRST). 

Making a Difference

Caring for others has always been important to Justin. Naturally, this is a lot of what led him to a career in the fire service. In June of 2019, he lost one of his best friends and fellow firefighters to suicide. At the time, this was the second completed suicide by a member of the Omaha Fire Department in less than 5 years. That experience refocused his attention. Justin shared, “As first responders, our job is to help, but within that, we are often too busy and forget to look at our own needs too.

His Mission

It became my mission to not only help others but to remind those who are serving our community in this capacity, to pay attention and take care of themselves as well. Admittedly, until the death of one of my closest friends, I didn’t realize how prevalent mental health struggles are, especially among first responders. While it makes sense, given what we’re consistently exposed to, like many others, I didn’t experience those kinds of struggles myself.

I didn’t understand how much it was affecting so many of my peers. The stigma to internalize so much of what we see, and to normalize things that could never be considered normal, is paralyzing at times. The truth is, while many first responders manage their mental health in positive ways, just as many others unknowingly struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and substance use. For those of us who do recognize our own internal struggles, it’s difficult for us to reach out for help. We are so used to being on the giving side of that spectrum, not the receiving end. We fail to realize we also need support and that sometimes, it’s okay to not be okay.” 

After the passing of his friend, our Behavioral Health Program’s FRST Team (First Responders Support Team ) approached Captain Cooley asking him to collaborate on a presentation to OFD – all 3 shifts at the 26 stations of the Omaha Fire Department. 

Goal

The goal was to address the stigma of mental health, especially among first responders. Justin’s part was to talk about how, even though it was one of his closest friends, he had no idea how much he was struggling. Captain Cooley’s hope was that by being vulnerable enough to share and become emotional in front of his peers, the story might help bring light to the mental health needs of first responders and help reduce the stigma of getting help. Since being involved in that presentation, Justin has been presented with several opportunities to speak on mental health to other departments and various conferences, both locally and around the country.

Throughout the last several years, Captain Cooley has seen the value of having easily accessible, culturally competent therapists, who have been specifically trained to work with first responders and are available as in-network options with their healthcare plan.  When first responders are struggling and finally reach out it is typically much later than the average person. 

At that point, getting them in touch with the right clinician the first time is crucial. In the summer of 2020, there were zero who matched that criteria. He approached the OFD union and was granted permission to pursue a conversation with the administrator of their health insurance network. The goal was to create a network of therapists who were vetted, and culturally competent, and seeing them would not result in additional stress financially. 

Over the next year and a half

Captain Cooley worked closely with the OFD healthcare administrator, Jason Workman, our First Responders Foundation Director of Behavioral Health, and other members of the FRST Team, to establish billing codes, rates, etc., and to create a group of clinicians who were culturally competent and would hopefully become in-network providers. In January of 2022, Captain Cooley was beyond proud to see a new network added to their healthcare system called, “We Care,” a healthcare group created specifically of culturally competent therapists for first responders and their families. It provides in-network rates and their first visit is covered at no cost.

Justin added, “For those of you who don’t know me, it would be hard for you to understand how humbling this recognition is for me. I am beyond thankful for the appreciation and truly honored to be a member of this group. The First Responders Foundation does so much to support local first responders. I would like to specifically acknowledge and thank Jason Workman, Mindy Hinton, and Leah O’Brien who are three therapists on the FRST team. The friendships gained as well as the help and guidance they have provided me throughout the past few years have been immeasurable. What they mean to us at OFD, is similar to what we mean to the communities we serve. You may not know our faces, the time and dedication we’ve put into our jobs, or the hard work we’ve had to do to get to this place. But, when you are a citizen, and faced with a life-altering event, you want the best by your side. You feel a huge sense of relief when you know you have that kind of support and help on your toughest day. I’m beyond thankful for the First Responders Foundation, and for all who’ve made donations in the past, and in the future to support this cause.  I’ve seen firsthand the difference this Foundation has made and continues to do.” 

The First Responders Foundation sincerely thanks Justin for all he has done to make a difference for first responders and their families and for the assistance he continually gives to the Foundation. 

For more information or to set up an appointment with someone from the Behavioral Health Team click here.

For more information and tickets to the 7th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

Justin Cooley shoes his story in this video.

Awards Of Excellence 2023

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Growing up with a dad who is a firefighter, I have always admired the work that First Responders do. Seeing the brave men and women who serve our communities has helped me to also be passionate about helping others, and I hope to continue this passion as a nurse. Adam
My dad is a firefighter and my step dad a retired police officer. All of my life I have watched both of them making sacrifices to always help others and work very hard to help improve our community. I admire this so much and I have grown to have the same passion, toughness and discipline to push myself to be the very best in everything I do. Haley

Growing up in a law enforcement family is a very unique experience. My dad is my biggest hero. He has been a police officer since I was one year old. He has put his life on the line every day for the past eighteen years to serve the community he took an oath to protect. Every day, when my dad puts on his police uniform he chooses to positively impact the community. For as long as I can remember, he has shown me what it means to be selfless and hardworking. Cassandra
My father’s career as a first responder has changed my life. My father went to the police academy when I was a only a toddler and at first, it was really hard for my family to adjust. It took me a long time to realize what being a deputy means to my father. His dedication to protecting people and following his carer aspirations at the same time has inspired me to try my best to do the same…. I hope to be able to help people in dire need around the world and make our world a better place to live in for everyone. Elaine

These quotes are a sample from the applications submitted for the Awards of Excellence and show what an impact first responders make not only in the community but in their own families. The committee was impressed by the outstanding applicants and their desire to serve others and make a difference in the world.

Congratulations to the following students who have been honored as recipients of the First Responders Foundation 2023 Awards of Excellence.

Juliana Anderson – Gretna

Elaine Arko – Bellevue West

Ellie Bartsch-Bang – Westside

Blane Boehmer – Bennington

Aidan Bosanek – West Monona

Madison Bossman – Gretna

Noelle Brannen – Millard West

Evelyn Brilz – Papillion LaVista

Kylee Brown – Lewis Central

Sebastian Caniglia – Missouri Valley

Madeline Condon – Westside

Piper Connelly – Elkhorn North

Arianna Curd – Northwest

Alaric Eaton – Burke

Ziana Elkins – Papillion LaVista South

Haylee Evers – Papillion LaVista South

Anthony Feldman – Westside

Brady Fitzpatrick – Papillion LaVista South

Reagan Folger – Papillion LaVista

Reese Folger – Papillion LaVista

Madison Grosse – Fremont

Gabriel Hardisty – Gross Catholic

Megan Hiykel – Papillion LaVista

Caleb Jashinske – First Baptist

Madison Latschar – Papillion LaVista South

Gabrielle Lewis – Conestoga

Caylie Loewenstein – Millard West

Adam McCaw – Skutt Catholic

Jillian Menning – Gretna

Sophia Messerschmidt – Missouri Valley

Nathaniel Oehler – Mount Michael

Cassandra Peatrowsky – Guardian Angles Central

Brett Perkins – Gretna

McKenna Pojar – Douglas County West

Kayla Preston – Millard North

Zoe Schuka – Gretna

Patrick Stolinski – Millard North

Bridget Swan – Elkhorn North

Zachary Swanson – Creighton Prep

Randi Szemplenski – Millard West

Montana Thompson – Bryan

Jolene Trumble – Platteview

Lily Bei Warner – Westside

Brenna Whitten – Elkhorn South

Shealie Wiebers – Papillion LaVista South

Haley Wilwerding – Papillion LaVista

Dalton Witt – Elkhorn

Awards Of Excellence

We honor these students for being committed to the community and volunteerism, and for having good character and balanced achievement in their lives. Each student was required to submit an application and an essay. The recipients were selected by the Awards of Excellence Committee.

As a group, they have excelled in academics, vocal and instrumental music, marching band, various sports, yearbook, theater, foreign language, art, dance, pageants, student council, speech, and many organizations and clubs.

They have volunteered at food pantries, blood drives, hospitals, and Shop with a Cop, have helped the disabled, elderly, and children, worked at camps, zoos, and places of worship, and assisted hundreds of organizations. Some of them are already volunteer firefighters.

Future Goals

Their future goals are diverse and focus on serving others such as police officers and firefighters, criminal justice, entrepreneurs, diversity, equity and inclusion careers, the military, marine biology, funeral directors, pilots, dentistry and medicine, musicians, engineers, international studies, forensics, psychology, cyber security and more. As individuals and as a group they are and will continue to make an impact in the community.

Each of these high school seniors has a parent who is a first responder serving at one of the following departments:
Bellevue Police Department, Douglas County Corrections, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, Papillion Fire Department, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and Waterloo Fire and Rescue Department.

The students were recognized at an Awards Ceremony and each student received a certificate and a $500 check.

2023 Awards of Excellence Recipients

The Awards of Excellence are made possible thanks to the following donors who fully-funded one or more of the awards.

Bob & Betsy Nelson
Chuck & Karen Sederstrom
Keith & Stephanie Basham
Carol Stolp
Tim & Jonna Holland
Jim McGill
Art Jetter

Corporate Donors:
Rod Rhoden
Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investments
Northwest Rotary Club of Omaha
Farmers Insurance
Paul Davis Restoration
Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)
NCAA Men’s College World Series

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence click here.
For photos of the Awards of Excellence Awards Ceremony click here for our Facebook page and while you are there follow our page!

JAVELAN Service Dogs Give A New Outlook On Life.

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Our JAVELAN Team recently visited the Beemer American Legion where they received a very generous donation of $10,000. Reporter Ashley Gaughan of the West Point News wrote the following article and with permission, we are sharing her story.

JAVELAN Service Dogs Give Veterans & Retired First Responders A New Outlook On Life.

Many veterans and first responders will testify that their JAVELAN service dog has significantly changed their life for the better. JAVELAN is a program of the non-profit First Responders Foundation based in Omaha. The acronym stands for “Jack Assisting Veterans Enjoy Life AgaiN.” Jack was the first service dog in the program when it started six years ago.

JAVELAN Director Mike Kraus, cofounder Bob Dean, and his service dog, Duke, visited the Beemer American Legion in February to share the countless ways the JAVELAN program can benefit veterans and retired first responders. Whether mobility disabilities such as paralysis, MS, stroke, amputations, being diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or physical disability, or requiring a diabetic or seizure alert dog, a JAVELAN dog can help provide services regarding any of these conditions.

Sharing His Story

Shane was one veteran who shared his story about his JAVELAN dog, MAT, through a video testimonial provided at the Beemer American Legion presentation. Shane worked in the Justice Department for 28 years and during his career he had been shot three times—the final time being the most harmful.

To help him overcome PTSD, Shane was connected with JAVELAN and was set up for the training program. Shane and his daughter awaited eagerly to receive MAT, Shane’s new service dog. However, during that time, Shane’s daughter was tragically killed.

When Shane did receive MAT, his service dog was able to help him not only address his needs regarding PTSD but also helped comfort him in the midst of losing his daughter.

Shane shared how MAT can sense when he has anxiety or isn’t sleeping, and is a constant companion and a comfort to him. “I cannot say where I’d be today without MAT in my life,” Shane said.

Continue reading “JAVELAN Service Dogs Give A New Outlook On Life.”

Guns & Hoses Hockey Challenge – this Sunday!

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 Sunday is the big day –
Guns & Hoses Hockey Challenge ON ICE!
Baxter Arena March 19, at 3 PM

Come watch local police and firefighters compete in the Guns & Hoses Hockey Challenge for a good cause, to support the First Responders Foundation!

Bring the family out to cheer on our First Responders and enjoy an epic event with lots of fun scheduled on AND off the ice! There will be a Kid Zone, cool first responder vehicles, K9s, vendors, a Chuck-A-Puck break activity, awesome raffles, and more! 

Need Tickets?
The box office opens at 12:00 on Sunday
or click here to purchase now!

  • Baxter Arena has a Clear Bag Policy & concessions are credit card ONLY.
  • Bring cash! Raffle tickets and chuck-a-pucks will be available for purchase in the main concourse.
  • Look for directional signage – fans are encouraged to sit behind the team they’re rooting for!
  • Make signs to cheer on your favorite team or player!

MEET THE TEAMS – TEAM RED & TEAM BLUE!

Meet the 2023 FIRE TEAM – TEAM RED

Team Red includes firefighters from Omaha, Council Bluffs, Offutt, Lincoln, Waterloo, and Grand Island, and has a combined 269 years of service.

  • # 27 – (Captain) Derek Panneton  – Omaha Fire Department
  • #6 – (Asst Captain) Chris Sorensen – Council Bluffs Fire Department
  • #1 – (Asst Captain) Allen Weberg – Omaha Fire Department
  • #71 – Zach Mass – Omaha Fire Department
  • #69 – TJ Wurth – Omaha Fire Department
  • #39 – Matt Hill – Omaha Fire Department
  • #18 – TJ Korpela – Omaha Fire Department
  • #12 – Kevin Meschede  – Omaha Fire Department
  • #21 – Pat Driscoll – Omaha Fire Department
  • #8 – Jon Kava – Omaha Fire Department
  • #7 – Scott Fitzpatrick – Omaha Fire Department
  • #14 – Ryan Hoffman – Offutt Air Force Base Fire Department
  • #15 – Josh Ballain– Council Bluffs Fire Department
  • #5 – Chad Wheeler – Council Bluffs Fire Department
  • #23 – Neal Hoevet  – Council Bluffs Fire Department
  • #9 – Nick Mckenzie – Omaha Fire Department
  • #10 – Ryan Cyboron  – Grand Island Fire Department
  • #29 – Alex Duling – Eppley Fire Department
  • #37 – Brady Krajeski – Ralston Fire Department
  • #47 – Mike Morton Jr – Waterloo Fire Department
  • Jordan Wright – Lincoln Fire Department

Meet the 2023 POLICE TEAM – TEAM BLUE

Team Blue includes law enforcement from 8 different metro-area agencies, and has a combined 188 of years of service.

  • #13 – Anthony DeSciscio (Captain) – Omaha Police Department
  • #92 – Jason Miller – Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office
  • #64 – Benjamin Nguyen – Nebraska State Patrol
  • #24 – Ryan Fitz – Omaha Police Department
  • #6 – Tom Shaffer  – Omaha Police Department
  • #18 – Brett WAGNER  – Omaha Police Department
  • #50 – Nick Palmer – Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office
  • #17 – Mike Borman – Nebraska State Probation
  • #34 – Brandon Shelton – MCC Police Department
  • #29 – Mark Kable – Morgantown Police Department  
  • #90 – Jacob Mikesell – Sarpy County Sheriff’s Probation 
  • #21 – James Grasmick – Omaha Police Department 
  • #43 – Brandom Ozuman – Omaha Police Department 
  • #44 – Jon Sears – Lincoln Police Department 
  • #11 – Bill Stenneche – Douglas County Corrections 
  • #2 – Pat Scheifla – Douglas County Corrections 
  • #16 – Matt Backora – Omaha Police Department

Thank you to our Guns & Hoses Premier Sponsors.

Clocks & Smoke/CO Detectors

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The Omaha Fire Department and First Responders Foundation work together for home safety.

Pictured here from OFD is BC Scott Fitzpatrick accepting a $1000 check from Physicians Mutual for the First Responders Foundation’s Home Safety Program. Special thanks to Physicians Mutual.

You’ve heard the saying spring forward and fall back. Daylight Savings Time began recently. Spring forward/fall back helps us remember when to set our clocks forward or back for Daylight Saving Time.  Everyone needs to change their clocks, so this is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.  It’s a good idea to check to see that the detectors are in good working order at least twice a year.

Life span of 10 years

The Omaha Fire Department tells us that sometimes when a detector is altering without any smoke, it may be malfunctioning and need to be replaced or the batteries changed. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a life span of approximately 10 years. After 10 years it is a good idea to replace them. Some people are concerned with the cost of replacement, but remember replacing them is much cheaper than paying for physical damage after a fire and human life is irreplaceable.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

“Odor-less, taste-less, color-less, so you don’t even know,” said Scott Fitzpatrick, Omaha Fire Department, Battalion Chief. He’s talking about carbon monoxide, which can be produced by various utilities, including furnaces, space heaters and even ovens. “If you are going to run a generator, make sure it is outside, well-ventilated,” he said. “If you are going to warm up your car, make sure it is outside well-ventilated. Not in the garage.”

Continue reading “Clocks & Smoke/CO Detectors”

NE Chapter of the Eastern Star supports JAVELAN

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The JAVELAN program of the First Responders Foundation would like to sincerely thank the NE Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for the very generous gift of – drum roll please …….$22,845! That will make a huge difference in the lives of veterans and retired first responders in need of service dogs.

Each year the Grand Matron and Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star raise money for a non-profit organization of their choice. Dottie Arent, Grand Matron and David Wetrosky, Grand Patron of the 2021/2022 session selected JAVELAN for their yearly project. The organization has donated funds to JAVELAN for a few years but this year JAVELAN was the special focused project. Funds were raised throughout the year and the first $10,558.15 was raised!

Each year all the individual Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star come together for a Grand Chapter Meeting. At the meeting this year Mike Kraus, Director of the JAVELAN program was presented with the $10,558.15. They held a silent auction at the meeting to raise additional funds for JAVELAN.

Recently, Mike Kraus and Patrice Monnier, First Responders Foundation’s Director of Social Media, meet with Dottie and David along with Jan Thomas, Grand Secretary of Eastern Star at the Grand Chapter Headquarters in Lincoln NE. At that time JAVELAN was surprised with the second check from the silent auction in the amount of $12,287. Dottie and David would like to thank the membership for being so generous and supportive of the JAVELAN program and for their assistance in helping those needing a service dog.

The NE Chapter has made service dog projects and organizations their focus for fundraising. We can’t thank them enough for the donation to JAVELAN and their continued support of the program. This donation will support more than four JAVELAN Teams! For more information on the JAVELAN Program or if you or someone you know needs a service dog click here.

The Order of the Eastern Star is an international fraternal order comprised of both women and men with religious convictions and high spiritual and moral values.

Click here to watch the video of Mike Kraus receiving the donation at the Grand Chapter meeting. 

 

Guns & Hoses ON ICE!

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Guns & Hoses is back and this time on ICE – March 20th!

Join us for the next Red vs. Blue, Guns & Hoses Hockey Challenge. This entertaining, family-friendly competition skates into Baxter Arena on 3/20/22 at 3PM! Come watch local police and firefighters compete in hockey for a good cause, to support the First Responders Foundation!

Local heroes have been competing in the rink over the past 15 years.

While local heroes have been competing in the rink over the past 15 years, this will be the first time teams are coming together to support the First Responders Foundation, which works to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans, and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.

Family friendly event.

Bring the family out to cheer on our First Responders and enjoy an epic event with lots of fun scheduled on AND off the ice! There will be a Kid Zone, cool first responder vehicles, Alley the Arson Dog and other K9s, vendors, a Chuck-A-Puck break activity, awesome raffles and more!

Guns & Hoses Tickets!

Tickets are just $12 and are On Sale Now! Click here to purchase tickets.

Guns & Hoses T-shirts and Hoodies!

What about Guns & Hoses Merch?

Yes – we have T-shirts and Hoodies On Sale Now For A Limited Time! 

We have partnered with Trezenbold to offer limited edition Guns & Hoses t-shirts and hoodies. Stock up on on your Team Blue, Team Red, or Team Neutral Gear. 

The last day to purchase Guns & Hoses merch is Monday, February 21st. 

Place your order now and pick-up during the event at Baxter Arena on 3/20 between 2-4pm. Or pick up here at the First Responders Foundation Wellness Center on 3/14, 3/15, or 3/16 between 9am-4pm at 10605 Burt Circle.
Click here to order T-shirts and Hoodies now!

The Red and Blue Teams will include first responders from the following departments:

Omaha Fire Department, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Offutt Air Force Base Fire Department, Grand Island Fire Department, Douglas County Corrections, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, United States Air Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Nebraska Parole, United States Marine Corps, and more

The rosters for each team will be revealed soon!

Special thanks to our Guns & Hoses Sponsors!

GO BEYOND THE STIGMA…..

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GO BEYOND THE STIGMA…..

Help us help first responders and veterans through mental health issues.

Shane, retired first responder, and his service dog, Mat, “I have been shot three times. I have PTSD from things I have encountered over 28 years in my profession.”

Behavioral Health Conditions in First Responders and Veterans

It is estimated that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including but not limited to depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Nationally Police Officers die by suicide 1.7 times more than in the line of duty.
Firefighters die by suicide 2.32 times more than in the line of duty.
Every day 22 veterans lose their battle to post-traumatic stress on American soil.

Continue reading “GO BEYOND THE STIGMA…..”

2021 Inductees into the Ancient Order of Saints Florian and Michael

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This week as we celebrate National First Responders Day we again congratulate and thank the following people for making a difference. The First Responders Foundation was honored to induct University of Nebraska Ted Carter, Debbie and Jeff Bremer,  Omaha Police Officers Association, Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF 385, and the American Legion Riders Post 374 into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 5th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 10, 2021.

The Ancient Order of Saint Florian and Saint Michael is a society made up of members of the community who have provided long-term and exceptional service to first responders and their families through their enduring and exceptional acts of financial giving or acts of selfless volunteerism, and those who have made a great impact in the community.

University of Nebraska President Ted Carter

University of Nebraska President Ted CarterThe First Responders Foundation is proud to honor University of Nebraska President Ted Carter.

President Ted Carter leads a four-campus university system that enrolls nearly 52,000 students and employs 16,000 faculty and staff on campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney, plus academic divisions and research and extension centers across the state. He serves as chief spokesman and chief executive officer for the system, which operates on a $2.8 billion annual budget and includes a flagship Big Ten institution, a world-renowned academic health sciences center, Division I athletics programs, and preeminent institutes focused on water and agriculture, national security and defense, infectious disease and early childhood education.

Regent Jim Pillen states about President Carter, “Ted’s character and integrity are second to none. He has a proven focus on the success and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. He has a deep appreciation for the role and mission of higher education. And he is a public servant in every sense of the word”.

In his first year at the University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska President Ted CarterHe faced the unexpected and unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19 – Carter has led with a focus on the land-grant priorities of access and opportunity for students and families. He launched the Nebraska Promise, a financial aid program guaranteeing free tuition for low and middle-income Nebraskans, and implemented a multi-year budget plan that included a two-year, across-the-board tuition freeze. The result was system-wide growth in enrollment, including record gains among underrepresented students.

Carter oversaw the awarding of a $92 million federal contract for the university’s National Strategic Research Institute, one of only 14 University-Affiliated Research Centers in the country conducting exclusive research for the Department of Defense. During Carter’s tenure, the NU system has been ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions for earning research patents, the Omaha campus was selected as the home for a new federal counterterrorism research center, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources launched a new effort focused on rural vitality, and the medical center opened an education, training and preparedness facility that positions Nebraska as the world leader in the fight against infectious disease.

U.S. Naval Academy

A retired Vice Admiral, President Carter has a distinguished record in education, partnerships, and military service, having come to Nebraska from the U.S. Naval Academy, his alma mater, where he served as superintendent from 2014 to 2019. He is the longest continuously serving superintendent – the Naval Academy’s equivalent of a university president – by special request of the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. Carter oversaw all functions of the institution, including leadership of 4,400 students and 1,500 faculty and staff, management of a $500 million budget, and oversight of academics, facilities, admissions, and policy. During his tenure, the academy was ranked the nation’s No. 1 public university by Forbes Magazine.

President Carter earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and oceanography.

He graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) in Miramar, Calif., in 1985. Carter was commander for the Carrier Strike Group Twelve, in which he commanded 20 ships, two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and two carrier air wings that were deployed to Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf. He is a naval flight officer with more than 6,300 flying hours and has completed 2,016 carrier-arrested landings, an American record. He also has educational credentials from the 18-month-long Navy Nuclear Power School, the U.S. Air Force Air War College, the Naval War College, and the Armed Forces Staff College.

Carter authored the document that changed the Navy’s approach to suicide and sought to reduce stigmas around mental health issues. Suicide rates dropped by 25 percent a year after the steps outlined in Carter’s document were implemented.

President Carter, the son of an English teacher, was raised in Burrillville, R.I., a rural, one-high school town in the northwest corner of the state where he became an accomplished clarinetist and baritone saxophone player. He and his wife, Lynda, live in Lincoln and have two adult children, Brittany and Christopher.

Debbie and Jeff Bremer

The First Responders Foundation is proud to honor Debbie and Jeff Bremer. 

The Bremer’s have been extremely supportive of the Foundation for many years. Debbie serves on the Board of Directors and is currently Vice Chairman of the Board.

Giving Back to the Community is Important to the Bremer’s

Debbie and Jeff Bremer have been married 32 years. They met in the restaurant business where they both worked in their early careers. Working for Simmonds Restaurant Management gave them an early on perspective about the industry and what it meant to be a local business and the importance of giving back to your community.

After moving around and working for larger restaurants Jeff and Debbie finally made their way back to Omaha where Debbie’s family roots are and where they wanted to raise their family.

Debbie and Jeff love being part of the Omaha community where they own 10 Taco John’s Restaurants (BRM), two in Omaha, one each in Columbus and Fremont, and two in Council Bluffs IA. They also own PIP Marketing, Signs & Print, and YESCO Sign and Lighting Company.

PIP Marketing, Signs, and Print is the Foundation’s printer of choice.

The Bremer’s have donated countless printing projects to the Foundation including all the materials and signage for the Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, and the Annual Appreciation Lunches. As if that was not enough the Bremer’s have been collecting financial donations at each of their Taco John’s locations for years. Each restaurant has a collection box where people can donate loose change or more to the First Responders Foundation. It is a great way to raise money and increase awareness of the Foundation and it is a tangible way for people to honor local first responders. Over the years Taco John’s and customers have donated close to $30,000 to the Foundation.

Being generous is nothing new for the Bremer’s. They have quietly helped numerous employees who have run into tough times. For example, in 2020, Jeff gave a Taco John’s employee of 10 years a car when hers was totaled by an uninsured driver. April Mungia called Jeff, “her angel”. “Gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón, gracias,” she said with joyful tears running down her face. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The Bremers tell us that giving back to the community is important to them and along with the First Responders Foundation other foundations/organization near and dear to them include, The Christopher Bremer Memorial Foundation, The YMCA, and Roncalli Catholic High School.

First Responders Foundation

Along with her board responsibilities for The First Responders Foundation, Debbie has served on the Omaha Executive Club, Omaha Executive Association, The Set Me Free Project Board, and The Christopher Bremer Memorial Foundation. Jeff serves on the Taco Johns Advisory Board as well as the ad production committee.

All of us at the First Responders Foundation would like to thank the Bremer’s from the bottom of our hearts as well.

Debbie and Jeff reside in Omaha. Their children are Jeff Jr, Christopher, and Alysha and they have 4 grandchildren. They both enjoy traveling, golf and family.

American Legion Riders Post 374

The First Responders Foundation is proud to honor the American Legion Riders Post 374. 

The American Legion Riders Post 374 Supports JAVELAN in Significant Ways

The First Responders Foundation is honored to induct The American Legion Riders Post 374 Millard NE, due to their long and continued support of our JAVELAN Program. JAVELAN provides funding for service dogs for veterans and retired first responders. Over the last 4 years, the Millard riders have raised and donated over $18,000 in direct support of JAVELAN. They have given countless hours helping with fundraising and assisting with events. With no hesitation, they funded, almost entirely, a $1200 hypoallergenic puppy for a retired FBI officer requesting help gaining a service dog. This team of riders has unselfishly championed support in all aspects of what JAVELAN stands for and what it means. This group has shown great compassion for all veterans and first responders alike.

Their charity knows no end as they are also ardent supporters of the community.

They donate an annual stipend to the Nebraska State Patrol to assist in purchasing working dogs. They furnished much-needed supplies to the Millard West High School ROTC. Through the Moving Veterans Forward Organization, they organized a furniture drive to help get homeless veterans off the streets. The First Responders Foundation cannot thank them enough for all the assistance to JAVELAN and the community.

American Legion Riders

The American Legion Riders are comprised of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving currently, or are spouses of family members of veterans. Over 110,000 American Legion Riders meet in over 2,000 chapters in the United States and in three foreign countries. Riders in all states have escorted military units returning home from combat tours overseas, conducted massive cross-country fundraising events for wounded warriors from all services, and have raised millions of dollars for countless local, state, and national charities. True to the Legion’s grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post (local) level, where each post knows what is best for their community.

The Original Charter of The American Legion Riders, Millard Chapter 374 was granted by The American Legion, Department of the State of Nebraska, on 18 April 2012. Since the start, this small group of brothers and sisters, which currently numbers less than 50 riders, has raised and donated over $78,000 to community and charitable Veteran causes.

Representing the American Legion Riders Post 374, and all Omaha area riders, at the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, will be Post 374 ALR Director Steven Lahrs and Assistant Director Robert Rooney

First Responders Foundation in Omaha

Again, the First Responders Foundation and the JAVELAN Program sincerely thank the American Legion Riders Post 374 for their steadfast and continued support.

Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF 385

The First Responders Foundation is proud to honor the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF 385.  

Honoring Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF 385

The members of the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF 385 serve the Omaha community and metro area tirelessly, committing to make our society as safe as possible with the highest integrity. These firefighters are there for all of us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It takes a special person to become a firefighter.

When a fire breaks out or there is an explosion most people run in the opposite direction, but firefighters run toward the danger/disaster. Firefighters not only put out fires with hoses on the ground, but they also run through burning buildings, break out windows, cut people out of cars, and deal with oil spills and other hazardous material spills after accidents. All Omaha Firefighters are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and can take care of sick and injured people at the scene. They see and experience things that affect them both physically and mentally. Firefighters are courageous individuals who know things can and sometimes do go wrong but they still show up to work every day.

After the fire has been put out, the cause of the fire must be determined, whether it was an accident or arson. Firefighters must decipher what type of fire they are dealing with and each requires a different approach. Some fires are electrical or chemical, some include gases, oils, metals, or other liquids. They need to use their scientific knowledge of physics, engineering, and chemistry to determine how, when, and where the fire started. Some Omaha Fire Department firefighters are also law enforcement officers and can make an arrest when arson is determined to be the cause of a fire.

The IAFF 385 assists with the Tri-County Fire Corp.

This program is for students, ages 16-19 who are interested in careers in fire services. They are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, and training in fire extinguishers, ropes and knots, hose rolls, search and rescue, ladders, hazmat awareness, and ventilation. They receive training and two certificates of completion, for CPR and for Stop the Bleed. On the last day of class, they actually put out a real car fire.

Omaha Firefighters are heroes.

Honoring Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF 385We are grateful for these men and women who have answered this calling because they put our lives and the lives of those we love ahead of their own. They don’t get holidays off, they work long shifts to take care of our families often while leaving their own. Never a 9 to 5 and always on call, they live with the understanding that they will miss out on family moments and milestones to perform their duty. Being a firefighter isn’t about the glory or the money, it’s about how many lives you can change. For their courage and commitment, their service, and the sacrifices they make, they are heroes.

First Responders Foundation in Omaha and Council Bluffs

The First Responders Foundation thanks the Omaha Firefighters of the IAFF 385 for the job they do every day, taking risks to protect the citizens of the community. The Foundation would also like to thank their families who also face the possibility of the loss of a loved one.

The Omaha Police Officers Association

The First Responders Foundation is proud to honor the Omaha Police Officers Association. 

Honoring the Omaha Police Officers Association

The members of the Omaha Police Officers Association serve the Omaha community and metro area tirelessly, committing to make our society as safe as possible with the highest integrity. These police officers are there for all of us to serve and protect, many times being a counselor, a mediator, medical provider, and/or a mentor. They respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of the reason, many times not knowing what they will find, and never able to unsee what they found. On our worst days, in an unfortunate situation, or when disaster strikes, the members of OPOA are there for us.

These brave men and women do all of this by choice.

Often they leave their family to protect our family. Over the last 20 months especially, their dedication has shown through as they have continued to serve while some of them were near death from COVID19, faced riots, disrespect, and hostility. Through it all, they still make the choice to be there for all citizens in our community. The Omaha Police Department answers an average of 250,000 emergency 911 calls each year. They arrive at the most pressing call in 5 minutes and 32 seconds, on average.

Omaha Police Officers are Heroes.

Honoring the Omaha Police Officers AssociationIt is with respect and appreciation that we honor these heroes, the Omaha Police Officers Association Members. We are grateful for their service and they are highly appreciated. OPOA is a group of sworn members of the Omaha Police Department up to the rank of Captain. They are an FOP Lodge and a recognized collective bargaining group with the City of Omaha. They profess that “they love Omaha”. Their members are active in the community and they embody the community policing model.

The OPOA lives by the words: Honor. Dedication. Pride. Commitment. We thank them and honor them for making those words a reality in our community.

Fundraisers and Events

Sep 6, 2023

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