The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department presented service awards and training certificates during the Kearney city council meeting on Dec. 9, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department honored several members with years of service awards and presented new firefighter training certificates during the Kearney city council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Fire Chief Aaron Jameson noted, in turn, that Tyler Vlasin and Mathew Begnoche have served for 10 years; Dave Krueger and Lonny Reeder for 15 years; Jerry Folck and Eric “Ric” Pulliam for 20 years; Jason Whalen for 25 year; Todd “Walt” Walton for 30 years and Jerry Thompson for 40 years.
There was also the presentation of firefighter’s certificates for those who had completed the 2025 Firefighter One training course. Those receiving certificates included Zach Beckman, Riley Favinger, Peter McGowen, Caleb Miller and Josh Miller.
Following the presentations, Mayor Jonathan Nikkila thanked all of the firefighters for their time and dedication. He said that people appreciate firefighters but might not fully understand the sheer number of calls they respond to that can come at any hour.
The other council members echoed the mayors words, thanking the volunteers and their families for what they sacrifice for the community.
