Article Image Alt Text

Rick Ochsner was honored with a plaque and a blanket featuring moments throughout his time with the Grant Volunteer Fire Department. He has volunteered with the fire department for 40 years and will continue to do so until he no longer is able.

Ochsner recognized for 40 years of service

Rick Ochsner of Grant was recognized for his 40 years of service with the Grant Volunteer Fire Department at the banquet held on Saturday, July 11.

Ochsner, 65, was born and raised in Grant. He only moved away from his hometown to attend college in North Platte before returning.

He began volunteering with the fire department in 1979 when he was asked by two men, Don Softley and Mike Gardner, if he would be interested in joining the Grant Volunteer Fire Department. Ochsner thought it sounded interesting and decided to join.

One of the main jobs Ochsner performs is transfers, accompanied by his brother in law, Dr. Cliff Colglazier.

He recalled they have had many adventures together, including getting stopped by a state trooper for going to slow, and Colglazier making stops on the way home to pick up random items like books and rocks.

Ochsner said he does a lot of transfers, and he has also been to many heavy calls, such as bad wrecks and sad CPR calls. “You just don’t forget them,” he said.

He has attended more lighthearted calls, however. Earlier this year, Ochsner remembers he got his first call for a cat stuck in a tree about 11 miles north and four miles west of Grant. He described the experience as unique.

“I don’t make as many calls as I used to, but I used to be the top responder in the department,” he said. 

He estimates during his prime, he would go on around 30 transfers each year. Now, he said he makes what calls he can.

Besides volunteering with the fire department, Ochsner has been a custodian at the courthouse for around 20 years, and he enjoys the work. 

In his free time, he spends time with his family and watches both high school and college sports.

Over the years, Ochsner said he has gained quite a bit of self confidence from volunteering with the fire department. He has also had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people.

“I just want to help people, meet new friends on the fire department here in town and in other towns,” Ochsner said. 

He notes the fire department has become a second family for him.

At the banquet, which is normally held in March or April each year but had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ochsner was recognized for his 40 years of volunteer work with a plaque and a large quilt featuring photos of him on the job.

He felt honored by this recognition, and he plans to display his plaque on the wall at home.

Ochsner is unsure of how long he will continue to remain with the Grant Volunteer Fire Department due to recent health issues, but he has enjoyed the last 40 years he has spent volunteering.

 

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

308-352-4311 (Phone)

PO Box 67
327 Central Ave in Grant
Grant NE 69140