For Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters, it’s been a busy spring. Dry, windy conditions led to an early start to the wildfire season in Nebraska, with three major wildfires breaking out in areas across the state in April.
The early start comes after 2022 ranked as the second worst year for wildfires in state history, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Last year, major wildfires burned every month across the state.
In a state where nearly all of its firefighters are volunteers, it’s been a challenging time. Over the last two years, Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters have put in long hours – battling an increasing number of wildfires. Every day, volunteer firefighters have put their lives on the line to protect our communities and families.
To give back to these heroes, AT&T recently presented a $20,000 contribution to the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA) to help support firefighting training and education efforts across the state. We were pleased to announce our support during the opening day of the 86th Annual Nebraska Fire School at Fonner Park in Grand Island on May 20.
“The last two years have been very challenging for Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters, with wildfires burning almost every month,” said Darrell Vance, President, NSVFA. “With nearly all of Nebraska’s firefighters serving as volunteers, our mission is to provide education, training- and support to our firefighting crews. We are very grateful to receive this contribution from AT&T to support our mission.”
The NSVFA will use the $20,000 AT&T contribution to support its education and training program for volunteer firefighters, as well as scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in fire service. There are over 17,000 firefighters in Nebraska, with nearly 15,500 of them serving as volunteers.
Nearly 1,200 of those volunteer firefighters gathered at NSVFA’s Fire School in mid-May to participate in 29 classes in all phases of firemanship, fire investigation, rescue, fire safety, leadership, officer training, fire prevention and EMS.
As we head into the summer months, a time when the threat of wildfires has historically been higher, we are proud to support NSVFA’s mission to promote education and training within the fire and rescue service.
We are also proud that through FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, AT&T is providing Nebraska’s first responders with truly dedicated wireless coverage and capacity when they need it across the state.
Read more about how we’re making it even easier for individual first responders to sign on to FirstNet by delivering ‘FirstNet and Family,’ a simplified experience that gives America’s first responders (and their families) the best of 2 networks – public safety’s FirstNet network and the AT&T commercial network – to keep their worlds connected.
Last month, we had an opportunity to share our appreciation on International Firefighters’ Day. But through associations like NSVFA, we hope to give our thanks and provide support all year long.
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