Honoring Nebraska’s Bravest

Nebraska LODD’s
1878 – 2022 (130 Deaths in 142 years)

*All meet NFFF (National Fallen Firefighter Foundation) criteria
except those designated as IAFF  (International Association of Fire Fighters) criteria.

January 4, 2022   Investigator Donald Gross – Lincoln Fire & Rescue,  Cardiac

April 7, 2022, Chief Darren Krull – Elwood Volunteer Fire Department, died in a collision due to poor visibility from smoke.

June 22, 2022  Deputy Jeffery Hermanson – Saunders County Sheriff, Cardiac during an arrest

July 27, 2022 Investigator Christopher Marcello – Grand Island Police Department  Cardiac after an arrest

October 2, 2022, Asst. Chief Michael Lee Moody – Purdum Volunteer Fire Department died while in the line of duty fighting the Bovee Fire in Halsey Nebraska National Forest.

March 10, 2021, FF/Paramedic Dennis Bender – Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire & Department, died of a heart attack following a call.

July 28, 2021  Deputy Justin Smith – Burt County Sheriff,  Covid

September 23, 2021  FF James Bissonette – Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department, Covid

October 7, 2021   Chief Chris Hansen -Tilden Volunteer Fire Department, Covid

November 16, 2021  Captain Christopher Parker  – Fairbury Rural Fire Department  Covid

February 23, 2020, FF/EMT Donald Lepper – Indianola Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, died of a heart attack following a call.

September 7, 2020  Investigator Luis (Mario) Herrera –  Lincoln Police Department,  Trauma

September 11, 2020  Deputy Troy Bailey – Lancaster County Sheriff,   Cardiac after bringing Inv. Herrera  from UNMC to Lincoln.

December 7, 2020, FF/EMT Robert Kneifl – Ponca Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, COVID 19.

November 11, 2019, Chief John Sing – Boys Town Fire Department, died of a heart attack following a call.

December 18, 2017, Jedd Bohlender – Grand Island Fire, died of occupational pancreatic cancer. *IAFF

September 11, 2016, FF Lowell Satterwhite Sr. – Dakota City Fire & Rescue. Died from a heart attack following a medical call.

July 27, 2016, FF Rob Taylor – Fremont Fire Department, Died of occupational cancer.  *IAFF

July 3, 2016, FF David Luedtke – Lincoln Fire  & Rescue, Died of occupational cancer.  *IAFF

June 27, 2016, Captain Eric Speck – Dakota City Fire Department, died of heart attack following a medical call.

April 16, 2015, Andy Zalme – Dakota City Fire Department, Died from a heart attack while on scene of a vehicle fire.

August 13, 2014, FF/Chaplain Darrell Parker – Fairbury Rural Fire District –Died of a heart attack while en route to a fire.

May 9, 2014, Capt. Laura M. Larson – Omaha Fire – Died from occupational cancer. *IAFF

June 12, 2013, Robert Hanes Sr. – Weeping Water Rescue, Ambulance Driver. Trauma from a head on accident with the ambulance and a private vehicle where the other driver crossed the center line.

November 5, 2007, Jeremy Wach – Wymore Vol. Fire & Rescue, Killed in the collapse during a house fire.

December 1, 2006, Leo H. Soderquist – Axtell Vol. Fire & Rescue, Heart Attack after fighting a house fire.

February 27, 2005, Michael A. Aunkst – Benedict Fire Dept. – Heart Attack while fighting a barn fire.

February 17, 2004, Capt. Kenny Woitalewicz – Wood River Vol. Fire/Rescue – Died from injuries sustained in the roof collapse during a house fire and while attempting to save an elderly woman.

February 15, 2004, Capt. Bobby Heminger – Wood River Vol. Fire/Rescue – Killed in a roof collapse while attempting to save an elderly woman.

September 14, 2003, Ricky Blodgett – Omaha Fire. Died of occupational Cancer. *IAFF. 

August 6, 2003, Ron Holmes – North Platte Fire – Killed in an ambulance crash when rear-ended by semi.

March 13, 2003, Capt. Richard K. Cuba – Lincoln Fire- Died from Occupational Cancer. *IAFF

August 8, 2002, Capt. Floyd A. Miller – Lincoln Fire. Died of occupational melanoma carcinoma.  *IAFF

June 21, 2002, Phillip H. Herring – Pilot Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a Crash.

June 21, 2002, Lori Ann Schrempp – Flight Nurse Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a crash.

June 21, 2002, Patrick W. Scollard – Flight Paramedic Life Net Norfolk Helicopter, killed in a crash.

March 20, 2002, Bernes J. “Bernie” Schutte – Palisade Vol. Fire Dept, Died from a Heart Attack fighting a grass fire.

February 27, 2002, Diana S. Rosene – Cortland Fire Dept – Killed in a motor vehicle accident after training while returning home.

June 3, 2001, Jack D. Bruns – Lincoln Fire – Fire Inspector, Died from occupational Cancer. *IAFF

February 3, 2000, John Love – Waterloo Fire Department, died of a heart attack.

March 16, 1999, Chuck J. Vodak – Dunning Vol. Fire Dept, Died from a Heart Attack while fighting a grass fire.

April 20, 1997, William Babka Co-Pilot– Private – Fighting a wildland fire in Blair County Pennsylvania crashed in low visibility after coming in contact with trees. Hirth Air Tanker; under contract with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Harrisburg PA. Belevidere NE.

March 8, 1996, Vinton LeRoy Durflinger – Alexandria Vol. Fire & Rescue, Heart Attack while checking suspected house fire.

April 23, 1996, Capt. John P. Goessling – Omaha Fire. Killed in a building collapse-6618 N. 30th Street.

April 7, 1994, Ronald V. Carlson – Blue Creek Rural VFD, Killed in an apparatus rollover while responding to a brush fire.

January 23, 1993, Francis M. Nichols – Imperial VFD, Died of a heart attack while working inside of a grain bin, removing grain after a fire.

November 18, 1990, Gene Keith Copple – Homer Fire Department, Traumatic head and neck injuries sustained from a fall from and aerial while performing rescue operations.

December 5, 1989, Battalion Chief John A. Wilcox – Omaha Fire District 2 – C shift, Died from injuries received after being struck by a distracted driver.

October 9, 1987, Willis E. Leyden – Lincoln Fire FAO Engine 3 –Died from a heart attack after a call.

December 20, 1985, Pilot Craig Budden – Kearney NE, killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during bad weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a patient.

December 20, 1985, Nurse Joan Brown – Kearney NE, killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during snowy weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a critically injured patient.

December 20, 1985, Nurse Nancy Brandon – Kearney, NE. killed when their Bell 206L Medic helicopter crashed into a hill 20 miles south of Long Pine Friday during snowy weather while enroute to Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Neb. to pick up a critically injured patient.

May 7, 1985, Erwin N. Sample – Alliance Volunteer Fire, died of a brain aneurism following a call.

July 8, 1984, Patricia Beran – Crofton Volunteer Fire. Died in an accident involving the ambulance she was a passenger in.

April 19, 1983, Capt. Barney E. Conley – Omaha Fire Rescue Squad 51 –Died of a heart attack following a motor vehicle accident.

December 25, 1982, Arnold Hansen – Belden VFD. Died from injuries sustained in a fall from an apparatus.

July 4, 1982, Deputy Chief Robert R. Gardner -Lincoln Fire. Died of a heart attack.

April 1, 1981, Harley Grasmick – Lincoln Fire FAO, Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding on a call.

January 5, 1980, Acting Capt. Clayton B. Shaner, Jr. – Omaha Fire FAE – Engine 22, Heart attack while fighting auto fire at Abbott Drive & Ave. H.

July 16, 1979, Terry Mazur – Waterloo VFD – Died of injuries sustained in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.

July 12, 1979, Steve Campbell – Waterloo VFD – Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.

July 12, 1979, Sterling Embrey – Waterloo VFD – Killed in an apparatus vs. train accident while responding to a false alarm.

May 19, 1977, Capt. Joseph F. Netusil – Omaha Fire Engine 1, Died of a heart attack while fighting a fire at the Hamilton Hotel 2408 Farnum.

July 28, 1975 – Carl C. McQueen – Ogallala Fire & Rescue, died after being crushed by falling material while fighting a boxcar fire.

March 10, 1975 – Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Paul R. Thein – Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office – Died from injuries sustained in a Motor Vehicle Accident while on a call.

July 25, 1973, Harold N. Cormany Jr. – Omaha Fire Driver Snorkel #1, Died from smoke inhalation at fire at 2870 Cass Street.

December 18, 1972, Chief Sterling Mutz – SouthWest Rural Fire Department. Killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding on a call.

May 19, 1972, Deputy State Fire Marshal – Michael D. Hartman. Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office. Died of injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident.

June 4, 1965, Loren H. Desler – Omaha Fire Engine 6, Died from smoke inhalation at Swanson Office bldg. 8401 Dodge Street.

June 4, 1965, Samuel M. Douchey – Omaha Fire Aerial 3, Died from smoke inhalation at Swanson Office bldg. at 8401 Dodge Street.

March 30, 1964, Kenneth McKay – Lincoln Fire – Killed in an apparatus accident with a private vehicle at 10th & L street.

October 9, 1961, Capt. James N. Rubeck – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 5 –Killed in an apparatus vs. gravel truck collision.

February 27, 1960, Capt. Edward T. Moore – Omaha Fire Engine 15 – Heart Attack while fighting house fire.

November 14, 1954, Honorary member Rt. Chief Leo Lennemann, Snyder Volunteer Fire. Died of a head injury when a pile of tires, lumber and other items, which had been soaked with gasoline, exploded and flying debris hit him in the head. During a training exercise.

September 27, 1954, Carl T. Krogh – Omaha Fire, Died from severe burns while driving Ladder 8 away from fire scene to protect the rig. 1913 Davenport Street.

February 18, 1941, Albert Mook – Lincoln Fire, heart failure after responding on a call.

October 18, 1939, Andrew Kastens – Chief of Syracuse VFD – Died from traumatic injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident enroute to a fire.

February 26, 1939, Capt. Edward J. Dodrill – Omaha Fire Engine 10 – Apparatus Collision with private auto at 28th & Pacific St.

February 26, 1939, John E. Jackson – Omaha Fire Engine 10 Apparatus Collision with private auto at 28th & Pacific St.

February 18, 1939 – FF Matthew Noe – Wymore Vol. Fire/Rescue – Killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call.

November 18, 1934, William Bayless – Omaha Fire. Fell from the Engine Company #4 at 13th & Jackson and died one year later from his injuries.

February 9, 1933, Louis Morocco – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 4 –Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 9, 1933, Clarence L. Urban – Omaha Inspections Bureau –Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 8, 1933, Capt. Edward Schmidt – Omaha Fire Engine 14- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 8, 1933, Capt. Thomas N. Shandy – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 8, 1933, John G. Brandt – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 8, 1933, John L. Cogan – Omaha Fire Engine 10- Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

February 8, 1933, Franklin Kane – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 6 – Killed in the collapse of the Millard Hotel Fire at 13th & Douglas Street.

January 13, 1933, Battalion Chief Homer S. Howes – Omaha Fire Dist 1, Smoke inhalation & injuries Browning-King Clothing Fire 1501-03 Douglas Street.

April 7, 1930, Henry R. Kemplin – Falls City Fire Department, Died while fighting the JCPenny’s Department Store fire.

March 28, 1930, Thomas G. Hastings. Omaha Fire Engine 8, Killed in accident, Engines 8 and 12 collided at 40th & Farnum Street enroute to a fire.

March 28, 1930, Charles Baarman – Omaha Fire Engine 8, Killed in accident, Engines 8 and 12 collided at 40th & Farnum Street enroute to a fire.

March 7, 1929, Arthur Schoeneck – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

March 7, 1929, Gus Pittack – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

March 7, 1929, Guy Clark – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

March 7, 1929, Fred Felgner -Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

March 7, 1929, Harry Wibbles – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

March 7, 1929, William F. Strube – Scribner Fire Dept. – Killed in an explosion of dynamite in a shed fire.

December 4, 1928, Henry Goth – Omaha Fire Engine 3–Died from injuries sustained in a building collapse 10/30/20, Schoeller & Mueller Piano Company at 1108-10 Douglas Street.

March 20, 1928, John Haller – Omaha Fire Engine 1 –Trauma, fall from the roof– Barker Block Office Bldg fire at 306 S. 15th Street.

January 26, 1927, George Kanger – Omaha Fire Hose 21-Trauma – Apparatus collision with a private vehicle at 26th & L.

January 22, 1927, Eric W. Sandberg – Omaha Jr. Captain, Hose Company #12, responding to a call he slipped, fell and was run over by Ladder 4 who was also responding.

July 12, 1925, Fred Heavrin – Bloomfield VFD – Killed in a chemical fire engine explosion while fighting a popcorn machine fire.

October 30, 1920, Fred Blazek – Omaha Fire Engine #1 –Killed in a collapse at Schmoeller-Moeller Piano Company fire, 1108-10 Douglas Street.

October 2, 1920, Chief Neil T. Sommer – Lincoln Fire- Killed in a motor vehicle accident enroute to a fire.

May 30, 1920, Charles Roesky – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1 – Killed in a motor vehicle accident when Hook & Ladder 1 and Hose No. 1 collided at 14th & Douglas St.

October 3, 1916, John Q. Adams – Omaha Fire, Hose Company #15, Killed in a collapse during overhaul at the Morris Packing Company, 2615 Q. Street.

August 7, 1915, Mansfield Rohrbaugh – Lincoln Fire.

December 5, 1914, Robert S. Skinner,– Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department. Died as a result of injuries sustained while fighting the Broken Bow Steam Bakery fire on November 23, 1914.

March 10, 1914, Patrick Dore – Omaha Fire Hose 12 –Trauma – fell while attempting to board a rig and was run over by Hose #12.

August 17, 1913, Lt. Tony Fleischer – Grand Island Fire, Electrocuted while operating a hose line at the Palmer House stable fire. An overhead power line dropped shortly after the hose lines were laid, striking Lt. Fleischer and killing him.

June 26, 1906, John Curran – Lincoln Fire.

November 26, 1903, Lt. William M. Burmester – Omaha Fire House 2 – Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.

November 26, 1903, Lt. William A. Barrett – Omaha Fire Hose 2 – Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.

November 26, 1903, Herbert C. Goldsborough – Omaha Fire Hose 2 –Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.

November 26, 1903, Leroy W, Lester – Omaha Fire Hose 2 –Killed in the collapse of Allen Brother Grocery fire at 902-14 Jones Street.

April, 18, 1900, John McCumber – Omaha Fire Hose 8 –Died from injuries sustained on 06/17/1899 when a keg of gunpowder exploded as he was attempting to move it at the Allen Brothers  Wholesale Grocer Fire 902-14 Jones Street.

August 9, 1899, Lt. James Adams – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.

August 9, 1899, George Bendson – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.

August 9, 1899, Otto Giseke – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1 – Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.

August 9, 1899, Charles A. Hopper – Omaha Fire Hose 3- Electrocuted at the Mercer chemical fire when the aerial ladder struck power line while being moved, 1112 Howard Street.

June 18, 1899, Lt. Thomas Ruane – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 3, Died from injuries sustained when a keg of gunpowder exploded as he was attempting to move it at the Allen Brothers Wholesale Grocer, 902-14 Jones Street.

December 29, 1894, Lt. Eli F. Kling – Omaha Fire – Thrown from hook & ladder #1 and ran over while enroute to a fire. 1508 Farnum Street.

October 2, 1893, Alfred C. Gjerum – Omaha Fire Hook & Ladder 1-Killed in a collapse at the Farnham Street Theatre Fire.

June 3, 1893, Capt. Charles D. Cox -Omaha Fire Hose 7, Killed in a collapse at Shiverick Furniture Store fire at 1206 Farnum.

June 3, 1893, Robert P. Oury – Omaha Fire Hose 7, Killed in a collapse at Shiverick Furniture Store fire at 1206 Farnum.

July 13, 1892, William G. Flood – Omaha Fire – Hose Company #9, Died from injuries sustained when the fire department horse fell on him going to blacksmith.

April 13, 1891, Michael F Carter – Captain Omaha Fire Hose Company #2, Killed in a wall collapse at the Paxton Annex Bldg, 14th & Farnum.

May 25, 1890, Clarence Protsman – Lincoln Fire.

May 25, 1890, Joseph Thornburg – Lincoln Fire.

July 23, 1880, Walter J. Lowry – Omaha Fire, fell from apparatus Hose #2 at 16th and Farnum.

September 5, 1878, Henry Lokfeld – Omaha Fire Hose Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.

September 4, 1878, Alonzo Randall – Omaha Fire, Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th & Farnum Street.

September 4, 1878, Lewis Wilson – Omaha Fire Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.

September 4, 1878, John A. Lee – Omaha Fire Hose Company 3, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.

September 4, 1878, William McNamara – Omaha Fire Engine #2, Killed in a collapse at Grand Central Hotel Fire at 14th and Farnum Street.

 

Our Mission

To ensure that every Nebraska line of duty death is remembered with a dignified Memorial, regardless of religious, political, or departmental affiliation.