Council Bluffs community members appreciate the dedication and commitment of the Council Bluffs Police and Fire Departments, and were looking for ways to support them and show their appreciation. Thus the beginning of the new chapter of the First Responders Foundation.
With support from the Police Chief, Tim Carmody, and the Fire Chief, Justin James, concerned citizens began looking for ways to support their local first responders. Time and time again they were seeing the impact that the First Responders Foundation was having on the first responders in the greater Omaha area. After meeting with FRF CEO & President, Al Batschelet, the decision was made to start a chapter in Council Bluffs.
The First Responders Foundation’s mission is to serve and honor all our First Responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. This is done by providing programs, services, and events that contribute to making first responders, mentally and emotionally sound, physically fit, and financially secure. All of the facets of the Foundation will be available to the Council Bluffs Chapter. The Council Bluffs Chapter will have local events and programs as well, and any monies raised for the Council Bluffs Chapter will stay in Council Bluffs.
Serving as the first Board of Directors are Vince Rew (Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Director of Marketing & PR), James Watson (Attorney at the Law Firm of Watson and Ryan), Leria Bray (Real Estate Professional with NP Dodge), and Mick McKinley (Iowa Rotary Club State Governor, Retired Banker, and U.S. Army Veteran). Serving as Ex-Officio Board Members representing the Police and Fire Departments are Police Capt. Scott Milner, and Fire Assistant Chief Chris Sorensen.
All involved are enthusiastic and encouraged about the new chapter and the impact it will have on the first responders and the citizens of Council Bluffs, IA.
