The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District hosted a pinning ceremony for staff on Monday, August 21, prior to the Board of Directors monthly meeting. The candidates were pinned by their family and friends. These members were recognized for their service:

Sean Gudde – Assistant Chief A-Shift

Sean has been with the department for over 40 years. He began as a volunteer in 1983 and was hired as a career Firefighter/EMT for the newly formed Fire District in February of 1991. Sean was hired as one of the first three full-time employees for the district and worked the very first full-time shift. Sean completed his EMT training in 1988. He is a certified Fire Instructor. Sean has completed The Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program through the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Company and Chief Officer Programs. Sean was promoted to Lieutenant in 1998 and Captain in 2005. Sean has a vast knowledge of fireground operations and various rescue techniques and works on district maintenance programs.

Nathan Bultmann – Assistant Chief B-Shift

Nate has been with the department for over 35 years. He began as a volunteer in 1988 and was hired as a career Firefighter/EMT for the Fire District in December 1998. Nate completed his EMT training in 1994. He is certified as a Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I, Live Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator & Fire Officer. Nate has completed The Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program through the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Company and Chief Officer Programs. Nate was promoted to Captain in 2008. His primary duties are in support services, including radios, personnel protective equipment, uniforms, and small equipment.

David Pratt – Assistant Chief C-Shift

David has been with the district for just over 30 years. He began as a volunteer in 1993 and was hired as a career Firefighter/EMT in December of 2001. David completed his EMT training in 2000. He is certified as a Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I & II, Live Fire Instructor and Fire Officer I & II. David has completed The Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program through the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Company Officer Program. David was promoted to Captain in 2018. His primary duties are in all aspects of department training.

Jeff Fort – Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal

Jeff has been with the district for just over 30 years. He began as a volunteer in 1993 and was hired as a career Firefighter/EMT in December of 2005. Jeff completed his EMT training in 2002. He is certified as a Fire Instructor I, Live Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector I & II and Fire Officer I. Jeff has completed The Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program through the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Company and Chief Officer Programs. Jeff was promoted to Captain in 2015. His primary duties include code enforcement, fire prevention and public education.

Along with recent promotions, the district recognized the following staff for their years of dedicated service:

5 years of service: Dylan Misel, Dustin Eichler, Matt Listhartke

10 years of service: Hunter Rische, Allen Todd

15 years of service: Kyle Arnold, Brett Booth, Bobby Higgins

20 years of service: Andy Martens

25 years of service: Rhonda Fort, Randy Jensen, Rod Barnhart

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story