Ray Somberg is the co-founder and recently retired executive director of the First Responders Foundation. Ray has given countless hours to the First Responders Foundation, including recruiting board members, raising money, managing programs, and building special relationships with the police and firefighters.

When first responders needed help with equipment or had a personal tragedy – Ray and his board were there. They started the #SupportBlue campaign, they help pay for equipment for youth sports coached by first responders, they created scholarships for the graduates of police and firefighter families, and so much more.

Over $1.6 million has been donated by the Foundation since it was founded in 2008, to purchase equipment and provide programs for Omaha Fire and Police Departments to enhance public safety.

For his remarkable vision, his perseverance, and his dedication to the first responders of greater Omaha we award this first medallion for the National Society of Saints Florian and Michael to Ray Somberg.
“I want to extend my congratulations to the other honorees. These folks have made extremely significant contributions to the success of the First Responders Foundation and it is a privilege for me to be recognized with them on this occasion.

I feel strongly that I have received far too much credit for what the Foundation has accomplished and the Board of Directors and Staff have received far too little credit. I am deeply indebted to past and present board members and staff for the passion and dedication they have exhibited in accomplishing the Foundation’s mission.”

-Ray Somberg