Oakland is Home to Omaha Fireman

“Firefighting was the only job I’ve ever really wanted to do,” says Donnie Dodge of Oakland.

He has been a fireman on the Omaha Fire Department for ten years. “I started as a volunteer in North Bend in 1992. I have also been a volunteer on Elkhorn and Oakland’s fire departments,” Donnie stated.

Donnie grew up in North Ben and graduated from North Bend Central High School in 1991.

Donnie’s family has a history of firefighters. “My grandfather, Leonard Dodge and my father Tim “Cups” Dodge both spent time as the North Bend Fire Chief so I grew up at the fire station,” Donnie said.

In June of 2002, Donnie applied to be a firefighter with the City of Omaha. He took a written test, a physical test and went through several interviews. His name then was placed on a hiring list. In January of 2004, he was hired in a class of 40 candidate firefighters. “More than 2,500 people applied for the job. I became an Emergency Medical Technician in 1993 as well as receiving my Fire Fighter I Certification from the State of Nebraska in 1994,” Donnie stated.

His shifts for the Omaha Fire Department are 24 hours at a time. “I start at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 a.m. the following day. I work every other day,” Donnie said. “A 24 hour shift seems like a lot of time to get things done. You’d be surprised.”

The day begins with Donnie putting his gear on the truck, checking all of the equipment to make sure it’s all there and working. Cleaning the truck is next, along with morning paperwork and breakfast. Training classes, more cleaning and lunch close out the morning. The afternoon begins with inspections, building walk throughs and school visits. Dinner is from 4:00-5:00 p.m. “Some evenings we stand-by at junior varsity and varsity football games in Omaha,” Donnie stated.

After 7:00 p.m. there is “free-time.” “We must remain in uniform and ready to make a run (or a call) at a moments notice,” Donnie said. “We make eight to nine runs per day. We make all types of calls, medical, fire or hazardous materials.” Donnie’s station is Station 41 at 61^st and Ames in North Omaha.

There is one recent call in particular that stands out in his memory. “Last summer, we had a three-story apartment collapse on two crews (all good friends of mine.) Through some kind of miracle, the all escaped,” Donnie stated. “That is a fireman’s good day, when you and your buddies all go home safe.”

The hardest part by far for Donnie is being away from home for 24 hours at a time. “You miss out on a lot,” Donnie said.

As far as future plans, “I’ve got another 10 or 15 years left on the fire department,” Donnie stated.

Donnie original moved to Oakland in 2006. He moved away for a few years and then moved back in May of 2013. “Growing up in North Bend, I really enjoy small town living. My wife (Jessica: and I enjoy how nice and friendly the people of Oakland are,” Donnie said. “I like quit living, but still being within an hour drive of Omaha is a plus.”

The other members of Donnie’s family include Lily age 17, a senior at Millard South in Omaha, DJ age 16, a junior at Millard South and Garrison age 12, a 7^th grader at Oakland-Craig Schools.

“Jessica and I really want to thank the people of Oakland that welcomed me back into town,” Donnie stated. “The welcome mat has been out since day one and we love it here.”

Donnie and his daughter Lily at a fire safety talk. Photo courtesy of Donnie Dodge.

Station 41. Photo Courtesy of Donnie Dodge.

Training how to access a basement through a tiny window wearing all your bunker gear. Photo Courtesy of Donnie Dodge.