Since 1883, the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) has proudly served the City of Kearney and the Suburban Fire Protection District #1, covering Buffalo and Kearney Counties. Our department’s mission is to provide exceptional fire protection and rescue services to the community, and we do so with a strong tradition of volunteerism and public service.
KVFD is unique in that it is made up of three distinct entities that work in harmony to serve the fire district’s residents. While each group is independently organized, they collaborate closely, combining their resources, expertise, and efforts. This unified structure allows for a coordinated approach to fire protection, emergency response, and public safety. By fostering such close cooperation, we ensure that our community receives the most effective and comprehensive emergency services possible.
As the largest volunteer fire department in Nebraska, KVFD is responsible for protecting a 272-square-mile area with a population nearing 40,000 people. Our team of dedicated volunteer firefighters is available day and night, ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. Their commitment to ongoing training and preparedness allows us to serve the community with confidence and professionalism.
Together, our volunteers and staff work tirelessly to protect lives and property, making KVFD not only a key responder in times of crisis but also a cornerstone of the community. Our commitment to fire suppression, emergency rescue, and public safety education remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Kearney and the surrounding areas with excellence.
Aaron Jameson
Fire Chief
FROM THE CHIEF
A Call to Serve: Uplifting Our Community Together
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Serving our community is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to a better world. When we offer our time, skills, and compassion to those in need, we not only improve the lives of others but also enrich our own. Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens connections within the community, and empowers us to make a lasting, positive impact.
At its core, service is rooted in humanitarian values—helping others without expectation of reward, simply because it’s the right thing to do. By extending a hand, we build a more compassionate, resilient society. Whether through mentoring, community outreach, or simple acts of kindness, every contribution counts.
Join us in this powerful call to serve and make a difference in the lives of those around us. Together, we can create a stronger, more unified community.
CITY OF KEARNEY
In addition to our volunteer force, KVFD is supported by a team of full-time and part-time city employees who play a vital role in our operations. The City of Kearney employs 12 full-time and 12 part-time Fire Engineers, as well as a Fire Administrator, an Office Manager, and a part-time Secretary. This dedicated staff ensures that the department runs smoothly and that our firefighters have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively.
SUBURBAN FIRE PROTECTION
The Suburban Fire Protection District #1 is responsible for delivering fire protection services to the rural areas of Buffalo and Kearney Counties, outside the city limits of Kearney. Covering a vast region, the district is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, farms, and businesses in these outlying areas. Through close coordination with the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department and other emergency response teams, the district provides critical fire suppression, rescue services, and public safety efforts to protect lives and property across this expansive area.
KEARNEY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) operates as a private corporation, composed of two key groups: the active membership and the Reserve Company. The active membership includes volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies, while the Reserve Company is made up of retired members who, although no longer on the front lines, continue to offer their valuable experience and support in non-firefighting roles. This structure ensures that KVFD not only maintains a highly skilled, responsive team of firefighters but also benefits from the wisdom and assistance of those who have dedicated years of service to the department.
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I joined KVFD so that I could help people on their worst day. The camaraderie and brotherhood of the membership is like one big family!
Terry Eirich
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Do it now if you think you are interested! The opportunity to serve your community is a wonderful experience! You get to meet great people and participate in meaningful life experiences.
Tim Ullman