10/27/2026
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PUBLIC SERVANTS
The Omaha Fire Department was proud to participate in the 2026 Chuck Hagel Symposium in Public Service, hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
OFD's Nick Lemek, of the Public Education Division, had the opportunity to speak with students about the fire service, emergency management, and the important role firefighters play in keeping our community safe.
His presentation, “More Than Fire,” explored the many responsibilities of today's fire service that extend beyond emergency response, including fire prevention, public education, community risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and helping people through some of their most difficult moments.
Students learned that a career in the fire service is about much more than responding to fires and emergencies. It's about serving others, building relationships, solving problems, and making a difference in the community every day.
Opportunities like the Chuck Hagel Symposium help connect young people with professionals across public service, giving them a better understanding of the careers and responsibilities involved in serving their communities.
We thank the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the symposium organizers for inviting OFD to participate and for their continued commitment to developing the next generation of public servants.
The future of public service starts with inspiring those who will serve next.