First Responders Foundation
Council Bluffs Chapter
Police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line for us each and every day and face hardships that most of us will never have to know.
They are the first people on the scene when an emergency strikes and willing to do whatever it takes to save and protect.
News & Events
What We Do
We partner directly with the Council Bluffs police and fire chiefs to serve and honor first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety in the Council Bluffs area.
We Accomplish Our Mission By:
- Recognizing and showing support for first responders
- Providing material and equipment donations to first responders
- Supporting first responders and their families in handling job-related stress, trauma , and unique health challenges
- Honoring and supporting the officers and firefighters on four legs: the K-9 Unit & Mounted Patrol
- Recognizing and acknowledging the sons and daughters of first responders with awards of excellence, citizen scholarships
- Creating and supporting unique programs and events designed to educate, inform and inspire first responders and the community
Who We Support
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.
Why We Support First Responders
Our History
The Council Bluffs Chapter was formed in December of 2019 to honor local first responders 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 2020 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
Secretary
Jessica Johnson
Union Pacific
MembersÂ
Donn Dierks
Shelly Marshall
High Risk Care Navigator
Methodist Physicans Clinic
Mick McKinley
John Murphy
Coordinator Security Services
CHI Health
Sara Porter
Sales Manager
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate
Ex-Officio & Liaison
Assistant Chief Chris Sorensen
Council Bluffs Fire Department
Captain Scott Milner
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.
