Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
November 9, 2008

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, Mark Bonser, Nolan Paulsen

Meeting was called to order at 8:05pm

Secretary’s Report – Minutes from the September 7, 2008 Conference Call were approved. 
Motion by Nolan
2nd by Mark.

NO CC in October.

Treasurer’s Report – Balance $9,875.88
DEBITS
(DC = Debit Card)
(* = Outstanding check)
09/17/08 Ck # 1032 / $244.62 / Kyle Ienn (License 2008 Trailer)
09/22/08 DC - Glendale Industries / $1,238.05
10/06/08 Ck # 1033 / $18.25 / Four Star (Postage) Shirts to Kearney & Maryland
10/09/08 DC – Ace Hardware / $128.38
10/10/08 DC – Menards / $239.64
*10/14/08 Ck # 1034 / $1,375.00 / Missouri L.A.S.T. Team (2 axes & 2 pike poles)
10/14/08 DC – Glendale Industries / $451.10
10/14/08 DC – Office Max / $58.84
10/15/08 DC – Glendale Industries / $36.90
10/23/08 Ck # 1035 / $106.14 / Bruce Messenger – Supplies for wiring/inside trailer lights
10/27/08 Ck # 1037 / $42.00 / Four Star (Postage) for mailing out White Team shirts
10/28/08 RETURN - $158.85 / Glendale Industries
10/28/08 Ck # 1038 / $15.35 / Four Star (Postage) for shirts; NE (5), MD (1), TX (3), VA (1)
10/29/08 DC – Glendale Industries /$168.50
10/29/08 RETURN - $21.29 / Menards
10/29/08 Ck # 1036 / $873.06 / Creative Potentials (White Team Shirts)

CREDITS
09/10/08 – Millard Suburban Fire District #1 / $500 Donation / $35.00 Shirt
09/10/08 – N.S.V.FA. / $2,000 Donation
09/10/08 – Deanna Schutte, Eva Heminger, Melissa Woitalewicz &Melissa Wach / $1,000 Donation
09/24/08 – Irvington Fire Department / $5,000 Donation
09/24/08 – Hickman Fire Department / $2,000 Donation
09/30/08 – Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association / $2,500 Donation
10/22/08 – Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department / $250 Donation
10/22/08 – O’Neill Volunteer Fire Department / $100 Donation / $45.00 Shirt

OUTSTANDING BILLS

Treasurer’s report was approved. Motion by Kevin, 2nd by Mark.

OLD BUSINESS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Marketing – No report

Fallen FF Memorial Service – No report

Honor Guard –  No report

Nebraska Fire & Rescue Memorial –  Roseanne is working on the brochures, and the power 
point should be ready soon.

Response Team Trailer – is partially stocked with the following items:
•	Axes
•	Casket
•	Flags & Bases
•	Misc Items
•	Pike Poles
•	Table
Contents coverage around $7,500. Melissa will need to provide the E-Board with an itemized 
list for review. Trailer is currently located at Wood River Fire & Rescue. Looking into the 
possibility of adding some type of shelving.

Bill Fortune will be delivering the Bell donated by the Ogallala Honor Guard to Ken Tracy at
 Kearney VFD. Ken will deliver to Shawn Soderquist in Axtell. Shawn will build a storage 
box/cabinet to house the Bell. This will be in honor of his father Leo, who passed away 
12/01/06 after a structure fire.

Kyle is researching PA Systems.

Thank yous have been sent to the following individuals and/or departments for their donations 
to the NE LODD Response Team:
•	Deanna Schutte
•	Eva Heminger
•	Hickman Fire & Rescue
•	Irvington Fire Department
•	Karl Redder (Trailer Logo)
•	Berkley Pump, c/o Mark Bonser, (NE Fire Rescue Memorial Donation)
•	Melissa Wach
•	MelissaWoitalewicz
•	Millard Suburban Fire District #1
•	Norfolk Local #1005
•	Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association
•	N.S.V.F.A.
•	O’Neill Volunteer Fire Department
•	Ogallala Honor Guard
•	Omaha Professional Firefighters 
•	Southeast Rural Fire Department

SOP’s – 
1.	Mission Statement
2.	Executive Board / Board of Directors Guidelines
3.	Chain of Command / IC
4.	Membership Guidelines / Rules
5.	Training Guidelines
6.	Standing Committee’s Guidelines
7.	LODD Activation Guidelines
8.	LODD Firefighter Autopsy Guidelines
9.	Non-LODD Funeral Assistance Activation Guidelines
10.	Equipment Storage & Use Guidelines
11.	Logos/Handouts/Business Cards Guidelines
12.	Uniforms/Equipment Issued Guidelines
13.	Funeral Service Level Classification
14.	General Funeral Service Guidelines

TRAINING
The Teams annual meeting/training will be held January 17, 2009. Will discuss under New 
Business the location.

APPLICATIONS APPROVED
None

Nebraska LODD Monthly Remembrance Newsletter
Karla has mailed out a newsletter for October and November.

SHIRTS
Shirts that have been mailed out are currently to states that had previously received shirts 
from us. No new states have received shirts since our last CC

NEBRASKA FF MEMORIAL SERVICE
Was held on October 12, 2008 at the in Maxwell, NE. The service was hosted by Midplains Mutual 
Aid Fire District.

PENDING MEMBERSHIP
Mark Eberspacher – No action has been taken at this time. Mark is awanging a 
December court date.

N.S.V.F.A. ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 16th, 17th & 18th was held in North Platte.

NEW BUSINESS
The Nebraska Firefighter newspaper has chosen to provide a free lifetime subscription 
to Deanna Schutte, Eva Heminger, Melissa Woitalewicz and Melissa Wach. These ladies 
represent LODD survivors from Nebraska.

January 17, 2009 Business Meeting will be held in Kearney or Grand Island.
The following positions are up for election:
E-Board
* President
* Secretary
* Treasurer
* Member at Large

BOD consists of the following members:
•	Benes
•	Bonser
•	Daake
•	Hansen
Do we want a 5th member?

Revive Election Committee for January 17, 2009 Elections at the Annual Conference.

Request that Jenie keep all Response Team Newsletters on the Response Team website.

GOOD of the cause:
Melissa Wach has requested an opportunity to visit with the NE Response Team. 
A meeting has been set for Thursday December 4th at 5:00pm in Lincoln.

Meeting adjourned at: 9:39pm

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin H. Placzek
Secretary
Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
July 6, 2008

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, Mark Bonser, Nolan Paulsen

Meeting was called to order at: 9:02pm

Secretary’s Report – Minutes from June 8, 2008 meeting were approved. 
Motion by Kyle, 2nd by Nolan.

Treasurer’s Report – Balance $1,273.04

Bills Paid – 6/13/08 / Ck# 1023 - $9.80 US Postage (Shirts mailed to Washington State)
6/18/08 / Counter Check - $2,806.00 (All American Trailers / 2008 6x12 Loadrunner)

Treasurer’s Report was approved. Motion by Kevin, 2nd by Nolan. 

OLD BUSINESS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEVIN
Benefits – Kevin Edwards is the NEW Committee Chairman.

Election – No report

KYLE
Marketing – August 7th meeting with L.A.S.T. Members from Colorado and 
Missouri. Taking Care of Our Own Class, August 8th & 9th, hosted by Ralston 
Fire & Rescue. 

Training – No Report

MARK
Fallen FF Memorial Service & Honor Guard – Honor Guard Boot Camp to be held
 in Grand Island, August 23rd. Dave Backhus & Roger Hansen are working on this class. 

Fire & Rescue Memorial – Ready to start Fundraising drive. 

KARLA
Resources – Will soon begin solicitation for Fire/EMS Departments, Fire/EMS 
Professionals and Fire/EMS Vendors for donations to stock the L.O.D.D. trailer. 
Doug Dekker & Kyle will be taking the trailer to Norfolk to have it lettered
 and the Response Team logo installed.

Revenue – Runza Corporation meets in October to determine donation requests. 
Karla will contact. Doug Dekker talked with Omaha IAFF, in regards to increasing 
membership dues, with proceeds going to the Nebraska L.A.S.T. Not at this time.

NOLAN
Recruitment – Is reviewing the application of Ben Shepard from Ayr, NE.

SOP’s – Committee had a CC 2 weeks ago and will be reviewing the SOP’s for
 corrections, before sending to the B.O.D.

B. Training – August 8th & 9th, Taking Care of Our Own Class in Ralston. 
Currently have the following registered:
August 8th – 19 Yes, 0 No, 2 Maybe’s. (OFD trying to trade times)
August 9th – 20 Yes, 1 No
Responses from: Benes, Benzel, Bonser, Christensen, Dekker, Duncan, Eberspacher, 
Edwards, Haase, Heminger, Houfek, Ienn, Messenger, Moul, Paulsen, Placzek, Policky, 
Scruto, Self, Tracy, Woitalewicz

C. Application Approved? Susan Jacobus/Schuyler, NE
04/16/08 Nolan e-mailed Susan as a reminder to put a check in the mail for her dues.
06/03/08 Karla e-mailed a reminder to Susan, with a June 9th deadline for dues payment. 
NO reply
06/13/08 Karla called Susan; she said she mailed a check. Karla told her we never
 received it, please check with her bank, and review her bank statement and get
 back with Karla. NO response
06/23/08 Karla e-mailed Susan again with a follow-up phone call. NO response
07/05/08 NO reply to Dues, Shirt Order or for August 8th & 9th Class.
Recommendations for E-Boards next step?
Motion by Bonser to dismiss from team, 2nd by Placzek. Motion carried.

D. Karla is working on the Nebraska LODD Monthly Remembrance Newsletter. Kevin will 
contact State Fire Marshall John Falgione to check if his agency can contribute to this list

E. L.A.S.T. Team shirts have been mailed to the following states: Arizona, Arkansas,
 Florida, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Virginia, Wenatchee Washington, Washington 
Chaplains & Washington Fire Chief’s. 

Michigan will have a NEW L.A.S.T. team beginning in July. They are looking at having 
NEW White Dress Shirts.

F. PSOB update for Judy Fausset. Ienn and Edwards are continuing to work with Judy on the PSOB. 

G. Team BBQ held at the Ienn residence June 28th. 

NEW BUSINESS
A, PayPal – ??? State L.A.S.T. purchased shirts. $215.90 was Paid with a Credit Card.
 PayPal charged us $7.11 for this transaction. We received $208.79 Difficulty with 
transferring monies.

B. Placzek has sent Thank You’s to: Omaha Professional Firefighters IAFF 385 $500.00 donation
Southeast Rural Fire Department $2,000 donation
Karla to e-mail address for All American Trailers to Kevin. Kevin will send a Thank you to them

C. Nebraska FF Memorial Service will be held on October 12, at McPherson National
 Cemetery in Maxwell, NE. Hosted by Mid-Plains Mutual Aid Fire District. 

D. Placzek has updated the Committee List and Roster. Will send out week of 7/7/08.

E. www.neresponseteam.org has been posted on the National Honor Guard Commanders 
web-site: http://www.nhgca.com/LocalAssistanceStateTeams.html

F. TEAM Successes:
PSOB paid to:
Linda Soderquist – January 2008
Teresa Aunkst – February 2008
Melissa Wach – June 2008

Next CC August 3rd.

Meeting adjourned at 9:56pm

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin H. Placzek
Secretary
Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
June 1, 2008

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, Nolan Paulsen
E-Board Absent: Mark Bonser (Excused).

Meeting was called to order at 8:02pm

Secretary’s Report – Minutes from May 4 2008 Conference Call were approved.
 Motion by Kyle, 2nd by Nolan.

Treasurer’s Report – $428.53
Received – Ogallala Grant received in the amount of $242.15

Motion to approve Treasurer’s report, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEVIN
Benefits – Will call Kevin Edwards to see if he will accept Chairman 
for this committee.
Election – No report

KYLE
Marketing – Working on 2nd Newsletter
Training – Taking Care of Our Own at Ralston Fire & Rescue, August 8th & 9th.
 Block of rooms at Holiday Inn on 72nd Street.

MARK
Fallen FF Memorial Service & Honor Guard – No report
Fire & Rescue Memorial – No report

KARLA
Resources – No report
Revenue – Restaurant donations

NOLAN
Recruitment – No report
SOP’s –  No report

NEW BUSINESS
Applications – Susan Jacoubs (Schuyler)
Members Dues
L.A.S.T. Shirts – 10 states have inquired about shirts, while 8 states
have ordered
PSOB – Melissa Wach, in Legal Review
Kevin Edwards – Omaha FF Death (Kyle working on PSOB)
Colorado L.A.S.T. Team has formed, and their website is up & running

Karla looking into donations from Arby’s & Runza.

Response Team BBQ at Kyle’s on 6/28/08.

Meeting adjourned at 8:56pm

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin H. Placzek
Secretary
Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team 
Conference Call Minutes 
05/29/2008

Team Mission Statement: “Assist families and departments to Honor with the 
highest dignity our injured or fallen Brothers and Sisters by representing 
the highest quality of attitude and professionalism. 

Meeting was called to order at 8:03pm by President Karla Houfek . 

Attended: Houfek Karla; Ienn Kyle; Davenport Mike; Edwards Kevin; Christianson JR; 
Self Ken; Benzel Fred; Backhus David; Pascale Casey; Bourque Rick; Slack Cris; Dekker, Doug 

All members absent are excused- Nebraska had threatening weather through out 
the state; many members were called to departments. 

Minutes from January 12, 2008 were emailed out for everyone to review. Backhus 
made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Self 2nd

Treasurer report: Balance $428.53; Pascale, City of Ogallala has received the EMS 
grant; money will be sent to our team. 

OLD BUSINESS: 
Item A & B~ 
Benefits- Ienn meet with Senator Lathrop, Senator would be happy to work with the 
response team on proposing bills for us. Lathrop was very supportive of our team. 
Dekker indicated Senator Flood is also very supportive of Fire/EMS Dekker would 
also be happy to talk with Senator Flood. 

Elections- Self, Christianson and Edwards presented to the e-board recommendation 
on bylaws. E-board, has agreed with the recommendations presented. E-board felt 
it was the Board of Directors (BOD) responsibility to approve these changes. 
Referred onto BOD, BOD have not had a meeting. 

Marketing- Ienn reported excellent job by Roseanne Scurto and her team. The booth 
was very well presented at Fire School. Thanks to everyone who worked the booth. 
Thank-you! Our second team newsletter will be coming out again in June this newsletter 
may spark interest for TMA to give us donations. Firefighter newspaper has free ads; 
Ienn has placed articles about our team in prior months. 

Training- NFFF is bringing the LAST training to Nebraska August 8-9 in Ralston. 
Remember this class is a requirement to be part of this team. Hope Janek from DOJ 
will speak on PSOB; guest speakers are 
Mark Wessel; Melissa Woitalewicz and Eve Heminger. Ienn has reserved rooms; 
we will forward more information onto everyone. 

Ienn, Bonser, Woitalewicz and Heminger are working with Bourque to set up a 
class in Scottsbluff. We will advise when the class has been set up. 

Fire & Rescue Memorial- Current balance in checking $10,629.81. With a few 
outstanding bills. T-shirt sales from FS $791.00. Runza Drive Houfek is working 
with Becky in the corporate office, hopefully more to report in 30 days. Eberspacher 
working on lapel pins. Benzel has designed a DVD we can use, Bonser has the copy.
 Need someone to attend June 7 meeting in Hastings. NPFFA donation. Thanks to 
Grand Island for working the Water fight/BBQ. 

Memorial Service and Honor Guard- Annual Iowa Fire fighter Memorial June 21 Coralville, IA. 
Please contact Roger Hanson for details. North Platte has stated an Honor Guard they 
will join with completed. Honor Guard boot camp is underway please mark Aug 16 and 23 
as tentative dates; Hansen will contact everyone with a final date. 

Resources- Davenport, Policky, and Evertson have researched trailers. 6X12 White 
enclosed trailer from All American in Omaha, $2800.00 All American has asked if 
they could have their logo on the trailer. Ienn was contacted at Fire School by 
NSVFA president Joe Bockman, NSVFA has agreed to provide us with the funds to purchase
 a trailer. Ienn and Davenport are finishing the logistics of this purchase. 
Omaha Fire Union has approved $500.00 and Norfolk Fire Union has approved either
 $100 or $200.00 these donations will be used to stock the trailer. Goal is to have 
trailer filled and ready to go by fall. Where should we store trailer? Suggestion was 
Wood River. Wood River was very receptive to this request. Supporters and what size logo 
would be allowed on trailer much discussion. Suggestions… Following sponsors are proud to 
sponsor… all sponsors on back, only LODD logo on sides. Dekker may have someone to help 
with the design on LODD logo. Insurance and title of trailer; possible we can license and
 insure under a fire dept (i.e.) Ralston or Wood River, Ienn will research. Any suggestions 
please forward to Mike Davenport. 

Revenue- Dekker spoke with NSVFA on 25 cent dues per member, NSVFA BOD felt this should 
go to the membership for vote. At this time they are willing to donate a trailer to our 
team. Dekker asked Ienn since you have made contact will you continue on this project and 
keep Dekker informed. 
State union meeting is June 8, 2008 Dekker has proposal of 12 cents per member per month 
would generate a revenue of $2000.00 annually. Dekker will talk to union members. Again
 Omaha Union has pledged $500.00 and Norfolk $100 or $200. All union members please make 
a pitch to your union. Ienn asked would Omaha union write a letter to challenge other 
unions to match, or do the same to stock the trailer.
Mutual Aid depts., TMA, send a letter, list our accomplishments and goals we would like 
to accomplish. 

SOP’s – No update

Recruitment- Pascale all application reviews are current. All future applications will 
not be considered until a LODD class has been taken. 
Pascale spoke with potential applications at fire school. 

Item D~
New members- to complete you application process you must pay your dues and order a white 
team shirt. If you need a shirt contact Karla Houfek. 

NEW BUSINESS: 
Item A~ 

This team is blessed to have 3 new members. Melissa Woitalewicz; Eve Heminger and DeAnna 
Schutte. These 3 members will work with the survivors’ network. A little bit about each of them…. 

Melissa has 3 children- Matthew 14, football, basketball, track, Ryan 9 
is a typical 9 year old he likes a little bit of everything, Logan 2. Melissa and Kenny were 
married 14 years. Melissa continues to manage the family business she and Kenny owned. 
Hobbies- read books, bowling, scrap booking, and Melissa is self taught computer savvy. 

Eve has 2 children; son Jon 17 plays football and baseball, daughter Lindsay 16 plays 
volleyball and basketball. Eve has worked at Principal Financial in Grand Island for the 
past 10 years. Bob & Eve were high school sweethearts and celebrated 18 years of marriage. 
Hobbies are reading and kids sporting events. 

DeAnna- 2 grown children Mike & Michelle, and 6 grandchildren.
DeAnna and Bernie were married 43 1/2 yrs. DeAnna’s occupations have been in the accounting 
field. Hobbies- gardening flowers, reading and walking. “I am happy to live in a small town… 
they have been very supportive of me, I wish to help others in need by helping on this 
committee.” 

June 28th- Team Family BBQ at Kyle Ienn’s home in Papillion. 
Invites have been e-mailed. If you have not received and invitation, please contact Kyle. 

Kevin Edwards and Kyle Ienn meet with Judy Fausset (Omaha) Kevin and Kyle with work on
 PSOB benefits. Judy husband Dale was on OFD. 

Kyle gave a report from the Colorado LAST team. 
“Colorado was asking questions and everyone said contact Nebraska…. They know what they
 are doing.. They are organized… Sometime it seems like we are hitting road blocks… NFFF 
is referring teams to call us” this is what we are about! 

Meeting Adjourned 9:15 

Minutes submitted by: 
Karla Houfek

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
May 11, 2008

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, Mark Bonser,
 Nolan Paulsen
E-Board Absent: Nate Koch

Meeting was called to order at 9:00pm

Secretary’s Report – Minutes from April 6th, 2008 meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Ogallala Grant - $250.00 not approved yet.
Received –

Bills Paid – 04/10/08 – Ck # 1016 $36.93 - Roseanne Scurto (Reimbursement
for postage)
03/05/08 – Ck # 1017 $18.15 – Four Star (Postage for shirts to VA)
03/12/08 – Ck 1018 $10.30 – Four Star (Postage for shirts to MI)
BALANCE $1,294.49

Bills to be PAID:
Karla Houfek - $31.85 (Postage for shirts)
Hillman Attorney - $64.47 (Publication for our Inc.)
Creatitive Potentials - $804.64 (Shirt order)

Motion by Bonser to approve Treasurer’s report, 2nd by Ienn. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEVIN
Benefits – No report

Election – No report

KYLE
Marketing – Taking Care of Our Own Class in Omaha, August 8th & 9th. Rick & Kyle 
are working on meetings in the panhandle. 

Training – Kyle, Mark, Eve & Melissa are working on revising the Line of 
Duty Death, NOT in My Town Class.

MARK
Fallen FF Memorial Service & Honor Guard – No report

Fire & Rescue Memorial – Law Enforcement Memorial groundbreaking on 5/16/08 
at 11:00am at Fonner Park. Annual GIFD BBQ may be cancelled by Fonner Park 
this year. Power point presentation is about finished. 

KARLA
Resources – No report

Revenue – Doug Dekker has approached the Norfolk Fire Department union for a
donation . Omaha Fire union may make a $500 donation. May 20th, there is a 
Lancaster County Mutual Aid meeting, that Karla, Leo & Bruce will attend to 
receive a check. 

NOLAN
Recruitment – Need to refine the application process. Casey is checking with
 panhandle departments, for Mutual Aid meetings.

SOP’s – Recommendations will be ready to send to the E-Board in approximately 
2 weeks.

B. Training
TCOOO Class in Omaha, August 8th & 9th.

C. Applications approved – Susan Jacobus, Ralph Moul, Rich Uhl & Frederick Benzel. 
No new applications are pending. Dues need to be collected.

D. Nebraska LODD monthly Remembrance Newsletter to be completed by the end of June. 
(Karla)

E. L.A.S.T. Team shirts have been mailed to the following states: Arizona, Maine,
 Michigan, Montana & Virginia. We have had inquirers from 10 states for L.A.S.T. 
Team Shirts.

Beginning with shirt shipments from this date forward, State, L.A.S.T. Teams will be 
responsible for shirt postage. On large orders, shirts are mailed direct to them, 
with postage requested from the distributor.

F. Treasurer – (Nate Koch)
03/14/08 – e-mail regarding R/R Committee CC on 03/16/08
03/15/08 - LM on VM R/R CC on 03/16/08
03/16/08 – Nate did not dial in, no phone call or e-mail returned
03/16/08 - e-mail – need bank passwords to view bank statement
03/25/08 - 2nd request to 03/16
03/27/08 – e-mail (PLEASE RESPOND) can we have CC on 03/30, no reply
03/30/08 – E-Board CC, did not dial in
04/04/08 – LM on VM, E-Board CC on 04/06
04/06/08 – E-Board CC, did not dial in
04/23/08 – e-mail – Nate I need you to call, I have bills to pay, with no checks. 
(No reply)
04/24/08 – e-mail to R/R Committees, when can we have CC, reply back. (No reply)
04/24/08 – LM on VM
04/29/08 – LM on VM, R/R CC. (No reply)
04/29/08 – R/R CC, Nate did not dial in
04/29/08 – e-mail to E-Board, meeting at Fire School. (No reply)
04/29/08 – LM on VM, please call, need to pay bills. (No reply)
Nate has also been included on all E-Board and Committee e-mails listed above, No 
Replies to e-mails. No responses to voice mail messages left by Karla. 60 days are 
up. Last spoke with Nate on March 11, 2008.
Motion by Bonser, to remove Nate from the Response Team, 2nd by Ienn. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS
A. DeAnna Schutte from Palisade, is a new Honorary Survivor Member.
B. Effective 5/11/08, all new applicants will have to have completed a Taking Care 
of Our Own Class, that is taught by the NFFF.
Current members who have not taken the TCOOO class will be required to take the class
 in August in Omaha, or they will be removed as a responding member, and placed on 
the Associate Member list.
C. No meeting is necessary in Lincoln or York. Concerns were addressed in tonight’s 
CC, or can be addressed in a CC before the Team CC on 05/29/08.

Anything for the good of the cause.
Every Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team member, needs to be ready to
 respond, when the next LODD or serious injury occurs. This can only be accomplished after 
attending a NFFF, TCOOO class.

June 29th, 2008, Team BBQ at Kyle’s. More info to follow.

Meeting adjourned at 10:29pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin H. Placzek
Secretary
Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
04/06/08

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, 
Mark Bonser, Nolan Paulsen
E-Board Absent: Nate Koch

CC called to order @ 8:00am

MINUTES
Minutes were approved from the CC on:

TREASURERS REPORT
$250 from Wood River VFD
Total Cortland & WR = $500
Check Book Balance $1,39.87

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Kevin 
Benefits – No Report
Election – Suggested changes have been sent to Karla, per Ken 
Self for approval by BOD.

2. Kyle
Marketing – Doing an excellent job
Training – August 8th & 9th, Taking Care of Our Own class. Response 
Team members Only. 
Training in Ogallala, Fall of 2008

3. Mark
Fallen FF Memorial Service / Honor Guard – Ne Report
NE Fire & Rescue Memorial - CC set up for Tuesday 4/8/08. 
2 weeks till drawings are completed. Law Enforcement Memorial
 to break ground in 8 – 10 days. 
GI Fire to hold fundraiser for Memorial at Fire School.

4. Karla
Resource – Donation letter is in the development stages.
Revenue – No Report

5. Nolan
Recruitment – Approval for membership for Fredrick, Susan & 
SOP’s – Meeting on April 15th

B.
Training – Bonser #3
C. OK
D. Troy Shubert has submitted a letter to the Corporate offices 
of Baskin & Robbins for the April 30th fundraiser for the NFFF.

Kevin Edwards and Karla to have done by June.

NEW BUSINESS
Eve Heminger & Melissa Woitalewicz attended the PSOB meeting in 
Washington, DC with Kyle. They were unhappy about the team and 
the LODD, Not in Town Meeting in Wood River. Why are we not included? 
Want to be part of the Team, so they can share their story. Met 2002 
Survivor Dianne Schuette, from Palisade, NE

DOJ / Hope Janke
Goals set forth by the DOJ:
1) Process all claims with-in 90 days.
2) Less emphasis on medical records, from 10 years to 3 years. 
Send only if requested.

Hope and her fellow employees, attended classes at the Fire 
Academy, to experience the risks and challenges all Firefighters 
face on a daily basis.

Currently 123 Hometown Heroes benefits have been paid. 89 not 
approved at this time. Several in review.

Sharon Purdy shared information on New Hampshire benefits.

Kansas & Missouri have requested samples of the L.A.S.T. shirts.

KYLE
Round table discussion about how the DOJ can make the PSOB process easier.
1) More Templates

GOOD of the Cause
NE Response Team Report
Honorary Survivors – Eve, Dianna & Melissa

Nate has dialed in for 1 of 4 CC / Has until Fire School, to re-group.

NFFF to have a booth at Fire School. Will be placed with the 
Response Teams booth & Wymore.

Karla had received Past Due dues from BJ Simpson. Returned check to BJ.

CC over at 9:22pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Placzek
Secretary

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
March 20, 2008

E-Board Present: Karla Houfek, Kevin Placzek, Kyle Ienn, Mark Bonser, Nolan Paulsen.
E-Board Absent: Nate Koch

Meeting was called to order at 9:04pm

Secretary’s Report: Minutes from 2/24/08 Conference Call were approved. 
Motion by Bonser, 2nd by Paulsen.

Treasurer’s Report:
RECEIVED:
$250 from Cortland VFD
$500 from Wood River VFD
Ogallala VFD still outstanding.
BILLS PAID:
3/5/08 Ck# 1011 Creative Potentials (Team Shirts) $1,891.07
3/5/08 Ck# 1012 Creative Potentials (Shirt set-up, 2 sample shirts) $401.69
3/12/08 Ck# 1013 Kyle Ienn (Ogallala Training Reimbursement) $252.44
3/12/08 Ck# 1014 Hillman Attorney (501c#) $340.00
3/12/08 Ck# 1015 Elite Web Concepts (5yr Domain renewal) $45.05
Motion to approve by Placzek, 2nd by Bonser. Approved.

OLD BUSINESS

COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEVIN
Benefits – E-Mail sent to Chad on 3/8/08. I shared with Chad what is 
expected of his committee. Asked for current updates and goals. Chad 
replied on 3/11,08 with the following information. Planning on setting 
up a CC to discuss other state LODD benefits, and a benefit wish list 
for NE. Working on a 30, 60 & 90 goal list. (Kyle began a discussion on 
a phone call from Eric at the NFFF. If a department refuses our assistance, 
how do we go about informing the families how to notify our team, if they 
want our help. Kyle, Mark & Kevin to discuss this on 3/27/08. Other team 
members can call Kyle with their suggestions.
Election – E-Mail sent to Ken on 3/8/08. No reply. I’ve made several calls
 to him, since the e-mail. I have not made phone contact with him. From 
2/24/08 CC, Election changes will be taken to the B.O.D. for approval by Bonser.

KYLE
Marketing – Doing an AWESOME job! It seems that a lot of work is falling back 
onto the Marketing Committee, from the other committee’s needs. We need to 
get more people on this committee to assist Roseanne and her group.
Training – Rick Bourque is the New Chairman. Kyle had a CC with his committees, 
and he said Rick has hit the ground running. Working on classes in the panhandle 
as well as recruitment.

MARK
Fallen FF Memorial Service &
Honor Guard – Mitch has stepped down at the current time as the HG Chairman, 
Roger is Chairing both committees. 

Fire & Rescue Memorial – Meeting scheduled for 3/27/08 in GI at 12:00 noon. 
Will meet at the Memorial site to take a tour of the site, look at the WTC 
steel that will be used in the Memorial. Also, will begin planning fundraising 
events, make a contact donor list and discuss other means of raising the necessary 
funds, to move this project forward. 

Jess Duncan has contacted the Forestry Service to get a list of the Mutual Aid 
departments in NE. Forestry has no list. Kevin does, will e-mail to E-board.

Mark Eberspacher’s name was mentioned, that he has an interest in being the 
Memorial Chairman.

Mark will hold a CC on 4/9/08 @ 20:00hrs

NATE & KARLA
Resources – Andy Evertson said he may be able to get a trailer donated. Also, 
Omaha Fire will look into the possible donation of White Dress Gloves from an 
Omaha supplier.
Revenue – Omaha Fire has union funds available. Current Omaha members will 
approach about a possible donation. Karla to look into possible $100 gift 
cards from Wal-Mart to area Non-Profits.

Karla & Nate held a CC on 3/16/08.

NOLAN
Recruitment – E-Board wondered what form Casey’s committee is using to check references. 

Letters have been sent to the three (3) new members that were approved last month:
Rich Uhl, LaVista (Resource only)
Ron Tubbs, GI Fire
Sue Jacobs, Schuyler Fire
Dues are to be sent to Karla.

SOP’s – Nolan said his committee has developed four (4) categories for SOP’s. 
Currently developing the first draft. Will have very soon for the B.O.D. to 
review for approval

TRAINING
Discussion about providing a Taking Care of Our Own class for our Response 
Team members ASAP.

WEB-PAGES
Membership Categories, Association Application, By-Laws, Checklists, Jimmy’s story 
& Leo Soderquist information, have all been submitted to Jenie at Elite Web Concepts, 
to be placed on our website.

NEW APPLICATIONS
Have received an application from Ralph Moul, from Keystone/Lemoyne. Ralph is 
with the NE State Fire Marshal’s Training Division.

NEW BUSINESS
Has Recruitment Committee asked new members, Marks questions?

Applications from: Frederick Benzel – Grand Island Fire 
Tim Norris – Bennet Fire & Rescue (Chaplain)
TABLED, until more information is available from the committee on new 
members made available to the E-Board.

Monthly E-Board Conference Calls will be trial and error. Will attempt to 
set up 2 weeks prior to the call.

Discussion was held in regards to an e-mail received by the E-Board from 
Todd King on 3/13/08. Motion by Bonser, 2nd by Placzek, to remove Todd as Training 
Chairman and from the B.O.D. per his request from letter on 3/13/08, and recommend 
Todd King be assigned to the Chief to Chief Network, per the NFFF program. Will 
still be a responding member. Motion passed. Karla to send to Leo for review by the B.O.D.

GOOD OF THE CAUSE
Cris Slack will be creating a power point for the teams use.

April 30th – Baskin & Robbins fundraiser, with proceeds going to the NFFF. Mark 
suggested that we work with the NE outlets, to raise monies for the NE Fire & Rescue 
Memorial in GI.

PSOB Autopsy protocols 

Kyle offered to host a team BBQ this summer, for team members and their families.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Placzek
Secretary
NE Serious Injury & LODD Response Team

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
E-Board Conference Call
February 24, 2008

E-Board Present : Hoefek, Karla, Ienn, Kyle, Koch, Nate, Paulsen, Nolan, Placzek, Kevin
B.O.D. Present: Bonser, Mark

Meeting was called to order at 8:04pm

Secretary’s report from 1/14/08 Conference call was read and approved.

Treasurer’s report was not read. 
Checks in the amount of $250.00 were received from:
Cortland & Wood River. 
Nate has not applied for a Debit Card or filled out the signature cards at this time.
A bill in the amount of $300.00 was received from the Attorney for Ralston 
Fire & Rescue for filing the 5013C. This bill needs to be paid ASAP. Nate’s
 fax number at Beatrice Fire is: (402) 228-8873.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEVIN
Benefits – No report from Chad. Kyle mentioned that Chad and his committee 
have been working on researching benefits in other states. They are to report 
back what they found out during their research.
Election – Received an e-mail from Ken pertaining to By-Law changes. (Mark 
to take Election changes to the B.O.D.)

KYLE
Marketing – Is doing an awesome job!
Training – No report

MARK
Fallen FF Memorial Service – Gathered dates of surrounding states Memorial 
Services in: IA, KS, MO, SD & WY.
Honor Guard – No report

Fire & Rescue Memorial – Met in GI on 2/21/08. Nothing really came out of 
the meeting. Plan on meeting in March.

NATE
Resource – No report. New Committee Chair Michael Davenport replaces Todd Grosse. 
Revenue – No report

NOLAN
Recruitment – 3 applications received and approved: Rich Uhl (Resource Only),
 Ron Tubbs (GI Fire) & Sue Jacobs (Schuyler). Committee will review 2 others. 
Casey has contacted departments in Gering and Chadron for new members. Discussion 
held on how to proceed with expanding the Team in Western Nebraska.

(Motion by Bonser to accept the three (3) applications that were recommended by 
the Recruitment Committee. The stipulation is: Members are to be active or 
dropped from the Response Team. 2nd by Hoefek. Nolan to create the document to 
address this issue.
SOP’s – Have been working on SOP’s, will have a meeting in the next couple weeks to review.

E-Board Committee Sponsors to contact their respective Chairman’s and report back 
to the E-Board by E-Mail.

Kyle reported on the LODD-Not in My Town Workshop from February . There were only
 12 people in attendance. Much frustration by lack of participation by Emergency 
First Responders from the Ogallala area.

Fire School 2008 – The Response Team will have a booth.
Kyle will be addressing the Fire Happenings class with a 2 hour workshop
Kevin will be addressing the Cadet Class with a 15 – 20 minute presentation

NOTE: Both classes listed above can be attended by any Response Team members 
for their input.

Kevin to meet with Jenie to update the following information on the website:
• Membership applications (include Associate)
• Updated By-Laws
• Meeting Minutes
• LODD Checklists

More research is needed for the Response Teams MOU! Kevin will contact Travelers 
Insurance in Hazelwood, MO again. Travelers insure nineteen (19) members and nine 
(9) departments that we are members of.

Shirts – Because we ordered so many (70+) we received a better price of $30.00 per 
shirt, (S, M, Lg & X-Lg) plus shipping. Shirts should arrive very soon. Shirts 
will be available for other L.A.S.T. Teams on the NFFF website, through the Nebraska 
L.A.S.T. Team.

Motion by Kyle to remove Eddy Weiss from the Response Team, due to continued disregard
 for the Team. 2nd by Kevin. Motion passed. Kyle to handle Eddy’s dismissal from the Team.

Mark shared his experience on the L.A.S.T. Team Training in Emmitsburg, MD. He shared 
comments made by Ron Siarnicki, from the NFFF and others employed by the Foundation. 
The Nebraska Response Team is held in very high regard at the NFFF. 

Lengthy discussion was held on what to do about the lack of commitment from the 
Committee Chairs. Karla to e-mail the E-Board members in regards to the above situation.

The PSOB information has been submitted to the DOJ for Jeremy Wach.

Conference call ended at: 10:42pm

Respectfully submitted:
Kevin Placzek
Secretary

Nebraska Serious Injury & LODD Response Team
Annual Meeting Minutes
01/12/08

Kearney Fire Station #1

Team Mission Statement: “Assist families and departments to Honor 
with the highest dignity our injured or fallen Brothers and Sisters by 
representing the highest quality of attitude and professionalism.

Meeting was called to order at 9:06am by Chairman Karla Houfek.

Opening prayer by Ed Weiss.

Attended: Houfek, Karla, Ienn, Kyle, Paulsen, Nolan,  Placzek, Kevin, 
Benes, Leo, Bonser, Mark, Hansen, Roger, King, Todd, Backhus, David, 
Bolte, Mitch, Calleroz, Cameron, Christiansen, John, Dekker, Doug, Dodge, 
Donald, Duncan, Jess, Eberspacher, Mark, Edwards, Kevin, Ferris, Justin, 
Grosse, Todd, Hasse, Thomas, Isaac, Brad, Kinney, Chad, Koch, Nate, Messenger, 
Bruce, Pascale, Casey, Scurto, Roseanne, Self, Ken, Slack, Cris, Spellman, 
Troy, Tracy, Ken, Wagner, Carrie, Weiss, Edward

Absent: Daake, Brian, Bomar, John, Bomar, Marlene, Bourque, Rick, Davenport, 
Michael, Evertson, Andrew, Fortune, Bill, Loewenstein, Ryan, Mulholland, Mike, 
Policky, Brian, Simpson, BJ, Verelle, Gordon

Welcome by Kearney Fire Chief, Jerry Thompson.
Introductions of E-Board & Team Members

Kyle Ienn stated that future meetings will consist of 5% business, 95% training.

Chairman Hoefek reviewed the following with the membership:
 2007 Attendance Roster
NFFF Funeral Guidelines
By-Laws 
Response Team Membership Cards.

Discussion in regards to Honoring Our Fallen Brothers and Sisters who 
have not been recognized by the NFFF. (Mark Bonser has the names)

Secretary, Carrie Wagner, previous meeting minutes had been mailed.
Treasurer, Carrie Wagner reported a balance of $510.94

Kevin Placzek reported on the progress with the letters from Jimmy Shafer 
and his family to place on the Response Team website. Also, Kevin received
 notification from Axtell Fire Chief Jeff England that Linda Soderquist has 
received a letter from the DOJ, in regards to her husband, Leo’s, Hometown 
Hero’s claim has been approved. A check will be mailed to her from the Department 
of the Treasury in the next couple days.

Karla reviewed the accordion files for the Response Teams use when deployed for 
a LODD.

Discussion on the updated web pages to the Response Teams website: 
www.neresponseteam.org  Jenie & Matt Maloney (Elite Web Concepts) are responsible 
for the creation of our website and continued updates.

Minutes of the Response Team meetings will be e-mailed to Team Members.

Discussion and overview from Team Members who responded to Wymore during the 
week of November 5, 2007. Also, photos from Wymore were shared in a powerpoint 
presentation by Roseanne Scurto that will be used at our booth at the Annual 
2008 Fire School in May.

Karla showed a framed copy of the Fire and EMS prayers that were used at Wymore. 
These will be available for use at future LODD responses. Cost for the frame and prayer
 will be around $25.00 to someone who may want to purchase and donate to the family.

Election of Officers.
Kyle Ienn suggested that the Team Members accept the officers that the E-board 
has chosen. The E-board feels they have chosen the best members for the respective
 positions at this time. 
Motion to accept the following officers was made by Todd Grosse, 2nd by Ken Self. 
Motion passed unanimously. 
Vice-President – Kyle Ienn
Secretary – Kevin Placzek
Treasurer – Carrie Wagner
Member at Large – Nolan Paulsen

Motion by Kevin, 2nd by Dave Backus, to accept the E-board recommendations for 
the Board of Directors:
Brian Daake, Todd King (2010)
Leo Benes, Roger Hansen (2009)
Mark Bonser

Kyle Ienn discussed the MOU / Travel Form. Per Ralston Fire & Rescue attorney,
 when the Response Team is deployed, the members department is responsible for 
the Work Comp coverage. Coverage is in place from each respective department when 
participating in a Team activity. Refer to State Statute #48-115.

Karla & Kyle, discussed with the members, the Team business cards and the 
importance of our Conduct when representing the team.

The E-Board created the following Committee’s to facilitate the growth and 
betterment of the NE Response Team. 
Benefits – Chad Kinney
Election – Ken Self
*Fallen FF Memorial Service – Roger Hansen
*Honor Guard – Mitch Bolte
Marketing – Roseanna Scurto
NE Fire & Rescue Memorial (Grand Island) - Donny Dodge
Recruitment – Casey Pascale
Resource – Todd Grosse
Revenue – Doug Dekker
SOP’s – Nolan Paulsen
Training – Todd King

*The Fallen FF Memorial Service & the Honor Guard Committee’s will be one Committee.

The members listed above, have volunteered to Chair their respective Committee. 
Discussion about Git-R-Done for the Committees, Let’s just DO IT ! ! !
Committees are to be Responsible and Organized

Karla and Kyle have been in contact with the NFFF in regards to shirts for 
the Response Team. At this time, there are two shirts for our team. The 1st 
shirt will be a white shirt, the 2nd shirt will be a sand color. The logo will 
be a Maltese Cross with the NFFF Rose in the center, with L.A.S.T. Response Team 
for the lettering. Kyle stated that the NE Respone Team will have ownership of 
the logo. When other L.A.S.T. Teams wish to purchase shirts for their Teams, 
they will have to purchase from the Nebraska Response Team. Nebraska Team shirts 
will be around $25.00 per shirt.

The next L.A.S.T. training in Emmitsburg, MD is February 15th & 16th. 
We will be sending 2 or 3 people for this training.

Karla inquired about free minutes that Team Members may have on their cell phones.

Discussion on how very critical it is to follow the I.C. process when we are 
deployed.

Why WE ARE HERE.
Mitch Bolte shared his personnel experiences for how Jeremy Wach was honored 
and not left alone, as Jeremy’s body was escorted to the crematorium in Lincoln 
from Wymore with members from Lincoln Fire to meet him at the crematorium.

Motion by Carrie Wagner to adjourn, 2nd by Kyle Ienn. Motion carried. Meeting 
adjourned at 3:52pm.

Respectfully submitted by,
Kevin Placzek

FYI: Dues are delinquent January 31, 2008.