NVFC Member Spotlight: Joel Cerny

Name: Joel Cerny
Title: Fire Chief
Department: Linwood Volunteer Fire Department
Location: Schuyler, NE

Why are you an NVFC member?
I truly enjoy all of the benefits that the NVFC offers. I enjoy the training that is available and the Volunteer Voices [member forum] really is a great benefit. The grants and giveaways are also very beneficial.

What is your occupation?
Retired safety and environmental manager

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
We had a small fire on our property and all of the volunteer firefighters dropped what they were doing and came to put out the fire. After that I thought if all of them can drop what they are doing to help me I should do the same. So, helping neighbors is the reason I joined and continue doing what I can to help.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1980

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My only CPR save was actually my grandmother who collapsed at a family gathering, and if I hadn’t joined the fire department, I probably would have never gotten CPR certified. Be highly involved with the fire service – it has given great opportunities to meet and make friends across our state and nationally.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
With Linwood being a very small town, the fire department is really the social hub of the area. The department helps this by hosting events that are open to the public several times a year. The department is where everyone reaches out for help [even beyond] emergency situations, like could someone help me scoop out my driveway or does anyone have a sump pump I can borrow until I get a new one. This is something as fire chief I have really pushed as neighbors helping neighbors.