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”

Omaha Steaks/Todd Simon Show Appreciation To First Responders & Veterans With Steaks

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Omaha Steaks/Todd Simon into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 9, 2022.

A Century of Support

For more than 100 years, Omaha Steaks has delivered exceptional experiences that bring people together. That mission extends beyond the company’s core business and shapes the way Omaha Steaks and its employees engage with the community. 

From community partnerships to volunteering and in-kind support, serving others and bringing people together with a spirit of generosity is a fundamental part of the company’s identity. The Simon family and Omaha Steaks believe that active and engaged businesses have an important role to play in building strong, sustainable, and thriving communities. 

Since 1917, Omaha Steaks has earned a reputation for its commitment to charitable causes that enhance the lives of others. Support for the arts and civic and military organizations in Omaha and across the country is a Simon family tradition that forms the foundation the company was built upon. Fighting food insecurity, supporting the arts, and giving back to the courageous first responders and military members who protect our communities is how Omaha Steaks invests on a local and national level to improve people’s lives. 

Omaha Steaks Partners with Organizations that Support First Responders and Veterans 

Continue reading “Omaha Steaks/Todd Simon Show Appreciation To First Responders & Veterans With Steaks”

Tim & Mary McAlpine start JAVELAN

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Tim and Mary McAlpine into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 9, 2022.

Tim and Mary are two of the founders of JAVELAN which is now a successful program of the First Responders Foundation. JAVELAN provides funding for the training of service dogs, often assists recipients in obtaining service dogs (as much as possible rescue dogs), and provides service dog trainers. Named after a special service dog “Jack”, with the full acronym: Jack, Assisting Veterans Enjoying Life Again.

A Partnership For Growth

The McAlpine’s partnership with The First Responders Foundation began in 2019 when Tim met Al Batschelet, First Responders Foundation CEO.  JAVELAN was a highly successful, albeit small non-profit organization funding the training for military veterans to obtain service dogs. A very unique organization of volunteers, using the Community Model for training service dogs. The Community Model is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community engagement with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience. JAVELAN uses this model by having the recipient of the service dog assist in all aspects of the training. Many times service dogs are trained in multiple areas in anticipation of what may be needed. This hands-on approach ensures that the service dog is trained specifically for the needs of the recipient. The training is done by a certified trainer who is teaching the recipient along with the service dog. The dog lives with the recipient while being trained. The respect and love bonds develop quickly with this approach as well.

In 2019 JAVELAN reached its potential as a total volunteer organization and needed professional involvement to continue the rapid growth. With over 30% of first responders former or current military veterans, the First Responders Foundation was the perfect fit to provide professional oversight and support to assure the continued growth of JAVELAN.

Continue reading “Tim & Mary McAlpine start JAVELAN”

Unique L.E. Team Spends Days & Some Nights in High School. 

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Oakley with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is a “Single Purpose” K9. He and his handler Deputy Ken Paulison spend their days at Elkhorn North High School. Oakley and Deputy Paulison assist the teachers and the administration as needed at the school. Deputy Paulison handles any criminal needs on campus but states that most situations can be handled by the administration. As a team, they play an even more important role, one that Oakley doesn’t even know about, and that is “therapy dog” team for the staff and students. It is not uncommon to see a crowd of students sitting on the floor around Oakley, with him lying on his back or side taking in all the attention. Deputy Pauilson loves to see the students smile and laugh while interacting with Oakley

Continue reading “Unique L.E. Team Spends Days & Some Nights in High School. “

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!

Mason Ingram, 2021 Awards of Excellence Recipient, Becoming A Firefighter.

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Mason Ingram was a recipient of the Awards of Excellence in 2021. We sat down with Mason to see how his first year out of high school is going and how the Awards of Excellence helped him get started with his future plans.

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to be a firefighter.

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to be a firefighter. His grandfather was a volunteer firefighter for Papillion while his father was younger and now his father is an Omaha Firefighter. Mason used his Award of Excellence to continue his pursuit of the Fire Services.

Just this past spring Mason completed his Firefighter 1 Certification and he is also now officially an EMT after completing his course this past fall. He is taking classes at Metro Community College on three of the campuses in the metro area. Along with fire classes, he is taking his general eds. He got a jump start on the process by taking classes in high school at Bellevue West for college credit. He is about halfway through the classes he can take at Metro before transferring to a 4-year college.  Mason anticipates he will attend UNO in the future where he will pursue a degree in Emergency Management or Fire Protection.

Mason participated in the Tri-County Fire Explorers program that the First Responders Foundation supports.

Continue reading “Mason Ingram, 2021 Awards of Excellence Recipient, Becoming A Firefighter.”

New Director of JAVELAN, Welcoming Mike Kraus

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to welcome Mike Kraus as the new Director of JAVELAN. The JAVELAN Program provides funding for service dogs and dog training for military veterans and retired first responders.

Mike has a deep, visceral and untamed love for his country and for those who defend her on a daily basis.

September 11, 2001 impacted every American in a unique, different way, and the same can be said for Mike Kraus. Just in 5th grade, the live videos, images and comments he heard that day wouldn’t be felt until years later until he learned why billions of people around the world love the United States of America, and why billions of other people hate the U.S.A. – because of the freedoms we have been given by God and secured by the men and women of our armed forces. It is because of this reason Mike has felt a deep, visceral and untamed love for his country and for those who defend her on a daily basis.

Jack Assisting Veterans Enjoy Life AgaiN (JAVELAN) is a niche program, founded by passionate Veterans and civilians alike, whose mission is to “enrich the lives of lives of first responders and Veterans, by enabling independence and life-changing support” and because of this commitment to our Nation’s Heroes, Mike appreciates this program.

Continue reading “New Director of JAVELAN, Welcoming Mike Kraus”

Being Open About Mental Health Issues

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I am so very thankful for the First Responder Foundation and the platform they gave me to tell my story. Helping First Responders By Being Open About Trials & Troubles was the first blog post written by Police Officer Stephen.

After that article was posted, my wife and I were given the opportunity to go on two separate podcasts, and the number of messages I received was astounding. The number one question I got, however, was “How can I help”? So that got me thinking. What can we do to help our brothers and sisters to be open about mental health issues?

Continue reading “Being Open About Mental Health Issues”

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Mar 17, 2023

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