Obstacles Arising from Reductions in Federal Funding
In the heart of Nebraska, volunteer fire departments serve as the backbone of many communities, providing essential emergency services and fostering community spirit. These brave men and women dedicate countless hours to training and responding to emergencies, often while juggling full-time jobs and family commitments. However, recent cuts to federal funding and programs may threaten the sustainability of these vital services. The Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA) has been a crucial supporter of local departments, securing four SAFER Grants valued at over $1 million each through federal government initiatives. These grants have been instrumental in providing training and equipping local volunteer fire departments with the necessary resources to effectively protect their communities.
The importance of these grants cannot be overstated. They have allowed our local departments to enhance their training programs, ensuring that volunteer firefighters are well-prepared to handle emergencies, from wildfires to structural fires and medical responses. Furthermore, the funding has enabled the purchase of essential equipment, such as personal protective gear, which are vital for the safety of both the firefighters and the communities they serve. Without these federal funds, the NSVFA will struggle to provide the same level of support to its members, compromising the effectiveness of local fire departments.
The potential loss of this funding presents a critical moment for Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments, which already face challenges such as recruitment and retention of volunteers. As communities grow and the demands for emergency services increase, the need for well-trained and well-equipped firefighters becomes even more pressing. The importance of our volunteer fire departments in Nebraska cannot be understated, and our continued success hinges on adequate funding and support. The training and equipment that we have provided through these federal grants has made a significant difference in the safety and preparedness of local departments and communities.
As of now, the application period for our 5th Safer Grant has not been announced (originally set to open in December 2024), and the National Fire Academy remains closed indefinitely, with all in-person training sessions canceled. On March 11, 2025, a constant contact email was distributed to all NSFVA members, urging them to reach out to their representatives and senators to encourage the President to reopen the NFA. We ask for your support in assisting the fire service entities affected by these closures by using the link provided in that email ( https://www.votervoice.net/NVFC/Campaigns/123312/Respond ) to contact your representatives and senators.
By standing together and expressing the importance of these grants, we can ensure that Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments remain equipped, trained, and ready to respond to the needs of our communities.
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to me or any officer of the NSVFA.
Below are upcoming events you don’t want to miss:
• NSVFA Fire School Registration is now open. Ensure you register early to secure your preferred classes. Stay informed here: https://www.nsvfa.org/nebraska-fire-school
• NSVFA Fire School: May 16-18, 2025.
• 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service: Sept. 21, 2025
Until next time, stay safe and healthy!
Brenda Jenny,
NSVFA 1st Vice President