NEBRASKA VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS - Gering and Scottsbluff NE



Ashcraft Family with Gering and Scottsbluff Nebraska Firefighters

Before getting on the road to Nebraska, we enjoyed a few hours in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains at Estes Park.  This was the most beautiful mountainous terrain.  I could've stayed there forever.

Tate, Ryder, Shiloh, and Choice

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, and Choice

Tate, Choice, Ryder, Shiloh, and Juliann

 

Juliann

Tate, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, and Shiloh

Shiloh, Choice, Tate, Ryder, and Juliann

As we were passing through Loveland Colorado, we happened upon this place...Ryder was ecstatic!  We took his geode in that he received from Holly and Wayne in Farmington NM and they cracked it open for him.

Ryder

It was almost too large for their machine which turned it into a two person job.  Once they cracked it open, we learned that it was a Thunder Egg filled with Opal.  Ryder found the whole process fascinating.

Ryder's geode getting cracked open

As we continued our trek to Nebraska, I was shocked as we came upon the Wyoming State Line.  Ummm, did I go the wrong way? Haha...the route took us through a 20 minute stretch of Wyoming.  We didn't see much of it...we will be returning there at a later time on the trip.

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice, and Juliann

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice, and Juliann

Then, we arrived in Nebraska. We were on our way to visit the thoughtful donors from Scottsbluff and Gering Nebraska.

Ryder, Choice, Tate, Juliann, and Shiloh

When we arrived at the home of Cat and Jeremy, we were greeted by two sweet little puppies...

Juliann and Niko (Pitbull)

Juliann and Niko (Pitbull)

Sarge (dog) and Ryder

The warm reception by the animals was a close second to the hospitality and graciousness we received from Cat and her family.  My kids had a wonderful time playing with her children, Payton and Reagan. 



Payton, Shiloh, Reagan, and Ryder

Payton, Ryder, Reagan, Tate, and Shiloh

Cat gave us a tour of the fire department where she volunteers.  I was fascinated by the concept of volunteer firefighters.  I pondered the commitment that it takes to be a first responder.  To put your life on the line for the sole purpose of protecting the community in which you live.  For these incredible individuals to take on the same grueling tasks and dangers with no personal compensation is very humbling and inspirational.  Nearly all of the departments in Nebraska are volunteer departments.  We were blessed to meet with a group of them, comprised of 12 different volunteer departments from the surrounding areas. (1: Gering FD, 2: Henry FD, 3: Lyman / Kiowa FD, 4: McGrew FD, 5: Minatare / Melbeta FD, 6: Mitchell FD, 7: Morrill FD, 8: Scottsbluff FD, 9: Scottsbluff Rural FD, 10: Banner Co. FD, 11: Torrington, WY FD, 12: Western NE Regional Airport FD.) The donation made to the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots came from The Mutual Aid Association of these departments.

Morghen and Choice

While at the department in Scottsbluff, the kids had a great time trying on Cat's gear.  They were surprised at the weight these men and women carry while they perform their duties and responsibilities.

Ryder

Tate

Choice

Shiloh

Cat was such an incredibly strong woman.  She not only volunteers as a firefighter, but she has other jobs and hobbies that show her immense courage and strength.  Such as working at the local jail, rebuilding old cars from the frame up, raising two children and training a pitbull. I had a wonderful time learning from the example of such a great woman.

Cat and Juliann

We left the station in Scottsbluff and Cat took us to the Scottsbluff Monument.  This was a phenomenal natural attraction with trails that go through the mountain and caves.  The kids were instructed to stay on the path because the park is home to many rattlesnakes. 

Tate, Ryder, Reagan, Shiloh, and Payton

We didn't come across any rattlesnakes but the kids were mesmerized by the 3 foot bull snake we happened upon.

Choice and Juliann watching kids hike Scottsbluff

Juliann, Choice, Ryder, Payton, Shiloh, Morghen, Tate, and Reagan

After hiking in Scottsbluff, we went to the Gering Fire Department for a barbeque.  It was there that we were introduced to approximately 40 firefighters and firefighter family members who were a part of reaching out and blessing our families after the tragedy.  All of them...VOLUNTEERS.

Gering Volunteer Fire Department

Once again, the kids were invited to sit in and crawl on the multiple fire trucks and try on the gear.  Shiloh wore a helmet the entire evening.

Reagan and Shiloh

Choice and Juliann

After we ate, they gave us a ride on a 1920 antique fire truck.  The kids took turns sitting next to Tim and Ryan as they drove and were given the chance to sound the siren through the streets of Gering Nebraska.

Rides in 1920 Firetruck

The kindness in the hearts of these men and women was something that made a lasting impact on me.  They were so selfless and willing to offer the shirt off their backs to those in need...for no personal gain other than the satisfaction of doing the what they feel is right.  They truly are Spreading the Better by the way they choose to serve the community and reach out to others in their time of need.

Cat and Juliann

We gave each of them a Be Better Band and shared the back story of why we chose to take this wild and crazy adventure.  They immediately put their bands on and wore them for the duration of the evening.  I have no doubt that these lovely families will bless the lives of many others in the future as they continue to provide acts of kindness and love within their communities.

Ashcraft Family with Gering and Scottsbluff Nebraska Firefighters

As we were wrapping up the evening, Ken shared with me that he and two others (Tim and their Fire Chief) drove all the way to Prescott for the memorial following the passing of our beloved GMIHC.  They sat in Tim's Toyota Center as the men were remembered and honored for their fire service. I vividly remember how packed that room was but it is amazing as I begin to learn many of the individual stories behind the crowd.  Each one, a valiant first responder, serving in the same capacity as the loved ones we lost.  When I asked them why they would chose to volunteer their time and put their very lives on the line, they responded with, "Someone's got to do it.  It might as well be me."  Wonderful examples of selflessness, integrity, and courage.


Gering Nebraska Fire Department Tribute to Granite Mountain Hotshots

In Nebraska, they celebrate Oregon Trail Days the weekend after the 4th of July.  The community gets together for cookouts, parades, carnivals, and a weekend of festivities.  In 2013, the firefighters in Gering NE put 19 sets of boots and fire gear on their fire truck and drove it through the parade in remembrance of our men.  Such an incredible tribute by such lovely people.  It was a pleasure to meet them and spend the evening learning and growing from them.  I hope their example of pulling together for the betterment of the whole will be a lesson we will all incorporate into our own lives to bless the communities in which we live.