Volunteer Spotlight: Rhonda Cerny

Name: Rhonda Cerny
Title: Secretary
Department Name: Linwood Volunteer Fire Department
Location: Schuyler, Nebraska

How long have you been an NVFC member?
3 years

Why are you an NVFC member?
I appreciate what the NVFC has to offer as Recruitment and Retention tools for volunteer fire departments. The benefits as well as the awards that are presented annually give additional ways of extending appreciation to the firefighters. I happen to be a Fire Prevention Award winner; that will always mean a lot to me. The training opportunities through NVFC are also important to me.

What is your occupation?
The UPS Store Manager

Why are you a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or rescue provider?
My husband is a volunteer firefighter, and for several years I did what I could to support his involvement in the local department. Being a small community with a need for additional members made me think I would like to do my part for the fire district also, and so I joined and have proudly been a volunteer for 26 years.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1990

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
There are many memorable moments, but I would have to say the years of teaching the Jr Fire Patrol program and then seeing some of the students join the fire service as adults. In fact one of our daughters joined the department and is an EMT, and yes, she was in the Jr Fire Patrol program.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
As a strong supporter of fire prevention, it gives you a good feeling to see the support of the community with fire prevention not only during the month of October but 365 days of the year.

* Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.