Since it opened in August 2009, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center has proudly hosted thousands of visitors from across Nebraska, and from around the world! From school groups to assisted living facilities, fire fanatics to I-80 travelers, the young & the “not-so-young” have enjoyed seeing the shiny fire trucks from Nebraska departments, learning about the history of traditional symbols (like Dalmatian dogs & Maltese crosses), & discovering the importance of practicing fire prevention 365 days a year!

The Nebraska Firefighters & EMS Memorial was a solemn addition to the campus in October 2010. The red granite line of duty death memorial tablets provide a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by many Nebraska firefighters & emergency rescue personnel, & the black granite commemorative caps pay tribute to those of the past & of the present who have given or who are still giving so much to their community.

Nebraska Firefighters Hall of Fame became a unique feature at the Museum that serves to honor those who have made a lasting impacton the fire service locally, statewide, nationally & worldwide. The very first induction ceremony was held on April 2, 2011 and honored the following individuals:

– Dr. O.C. Kreymborg
Served as a firefighter in North Platte, NE
Organized & instructed firefighters in the emergency care & rescue arena, beginning in the 1940′s

– Mr. Donald Smeal
Served as a firefighter in Snyder, NE
Created a fire apparatus company that is recognized worldwide

– Mr. Larry Wiles
Served as a firefighter in Nebraska City, NE
Assisted fire departments across the state & nationally to become adept at planning & organization

To nominate an outstanding individual to be considered as an inductee to the Nebraska Firefighters Hall of Fame,
please contact the Hall of Fame Committee for a full list of induction criteria:
Nebraska Firefighters Museum
%Hall of Fame Committee
2434 East 1st Street
Kearney, NE 68847

The members of the Hall of Fame Committee are Eric Rasmussen (Chairman), Rhonda Cerny, Jim Egr, Stu Wilsman & Casey McCoy, with Bob E. Vogltance serving as the committee liaison from the Nebraska Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors.