KEARNEY — The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department presented years of service awards and welcomed new members during the Kearney city council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Fire Chief Aaron Jameson noted that Lucas Frey has served for five years, Mike Treadway for 10 years, Bryan Chase, Seth Lunbery for 15 years, Jerry Folck, Eric “Rick” Pulliam, Dan Thompson and Matt Ullman for 20 years, Tony Rich, John Sydow and Brian Wolfe for 30 years and Kelly Hardin for 40 years.
It was also noted Jameson himself has served for 15 years with KVFD.
Jameson said that the combined years of service of all of the members was 250 years.
There was also the presentation of firefighter’s certificates for those who had completed the 2024 Firefighter One training course. Those receiving certificates included Austin Fuehrer, Andrew Kennedy, Eli Mannis, Carson Munster and Jacob Nutter.
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.
Council member Randy Buschkoetter also noted the sacrifices the families make to support their firefighter relatives.