First Responders Foundation Council Bluffs Chapter
The mission of the First Responders Foundation Council Bluffs Chapter is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans, and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.
The Council Bluffs Chapter is an extension of the First Responders Foundation. The Chapter is led by local community members who are best equipped to address the needs of first responders in the Council Bluffs area. Funds raised here stay in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County and are used to further our mission. The Chapter partners directly with Council Bluffs first responders and citizens to provide what is needed for local first responders and our community.
News & Events
The Council Bluffs Chapter Supports
Council Bluffs, IA has a population of over 62,000 and is in Pottawattamie County. It is the eighth-largest city in the state, is the most populous in Southwest Iowa, and forms part of the Omaha Metro Area.
The Council Bluffs Police Department employs 136 people. There are 115 sworn officers in 4 Divisions: Uniform, Administration, Services, and Criminal Investigations. Special units include Criminal Negotiators, Bomb Technicians, the Emergency Services Team and the K-9 Unit. The Council Bluffs Police Chief is Tim Carmody.
The Council Bluffs Fire Department employs 107 people including firefighters and paramedic-trained personnel. The Fire Department’s emphasis is on fire fighting, fire prevention, emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response, public education, and community service. The Council Bluffs Police Chief is Justin James.
We Accomplish Our Mission By:
- Recognizing and showing support for first responders, and encouraging respect and appreciation from the public.
- Supporting first responders, veterans, and their families in handling job-related stress, trauma, and unique health challenges through programs, classes, events, and activities.
- Recognizing and acknowledging high school seniors of first responders with Awards Of Excellence.
- Creating and supporting unique programs and events designed to educate, inform and inspire the community and enhance public safety.
Why We Support First Responders
Our History
The Council Bluffs Chapter was formed in December of 2019 to honor local first responders, veterans, and their families.
The First Responders Foundation is rooted in 9/11 remembrance, and was founded by Ray Somberg and Jerry Hoberman in 2008 when reflecting on how first responders are often taken for granted until tragedy strikes.
The vision for 2025 is to be the recognized service organization leading advocacy and community support for all first responders and their families; be a foundation critical to the maintenance and enhancement of public safety in Iowa and Nebraska; and by 2025 expanding this support and advocacy within the region.
Our Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Leria Bray
Real Estate Professional
NP Dodge
Vice Chairman
Vince Rew
Director of Marketing and PR
Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital
Treasurer
James Watson
Attorney
Watson and Ryan, PLC
Members
Donn Dierks
Aly Nichols
Tim Tergeoglou
Ex-Officio & Liaison
Assistant Chief Chris Sorensen
Council Bluffs Fire Department
Captain Scott Milner
Ted Roberts
Council Bluffs Police Department
Make a Difference
Help us support the people we turn to in our greatest times of need. Your gift to the First Responders Foundation – Council Bluffs will help us fulfill our mission. Thank you for your support.
Donate Now
Together we can make Council Bluffs a safer, better community.
Contact Us
Send us a message. We will get right back to you…
Supporting first responders makes Council Bluffs a better, safer place for all.
