York Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 1648

02/14/2026

Local 1648 extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the loss of Captain John Olson. His dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting his community embody the very best of the fire service.

We honor his sacrifice and the legacy he leaves behind through his service and devotion to others. Please keep Captain Olson’s family and the members of Local 385 in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.

It is with profound sadness that the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters announce the line-of-duty death of our Brother, John Olson.
Captain Olson served the citizens of Omaha with courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public safety. His loss is deeply felt not only within our department, but throughout the community he so proudly protected.

John leaves behind his loving wife, and their three children. He is also survived by his extended family, numerous friends, and his fire department and union family, all of whom are grieving this unimaginable loss.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

We ask that you keep the family and all who knew and loved John in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community as we honor the life, service, and sacrifice of our fallen Brother.

Please continue to lift this family up and respect their privacy in the days ahead.

01/19/2026

Today, Local 1648 honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to service, courage, and equality reminds us that true leadership means standing up for others and working toward a safer, stronger, and more just community for all. His message of unity and compassion continues to inspire us in our mission to serve the people of York with integrity and dedication.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

01/17/2026

Today, the York Professional Firefighters joined our brothers and sisters from across Nebraska at the State Capitol to advocate for LB 400.

While time ran out and the bill was not heard today, we’ll be back at it again on Tuesday. In the meantime, we ask for your support… please contact your state senator and let them know you support LB 400.

Find your senator’s contact information here:

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_find.php

Thank you for standing with your Nebraska Firefighters.

Thanks everyone for your help this week calling/emailing your Senators and being advocates for the men and women serving Omaha as fire fighters! We've got off-duty fire fighters at the Capitol today, excited to talk about LB400!!

01/16/2026

January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month. In 2025, nearly 80% of IAFF line-of-duty deaths were caused by occupational cancer, making it the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

Shockingly, fire fighters in Nebraska currently receive no workers’ compensation benefits if they are diagnosed with a cancer caused by their job.

Tomorrow, Nebraska legislators will debate LB 400, a bill that would provide workers’ compensation benefits to Nebraska fire fighters diagnosed with job-related cancers. This legislation is about doing what’s right, ensuring fire fighters are supported and cared for when facing one of the toughest battles of their lives.

We urge you to contact your state senators and let them know you stand with Nebraska fire fighters and that they must support LB 400.

Thank you for your continued support of Nebraska fire fighters.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Local 1648! Our members wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season!

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, the York Professional Firefighters want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible York community we are privileged to serve. We give thanks for your support, trust, and partnership.

To our fellow firefighters and first responders, thank you for your unwavering dedication and bravery. May your holiday be filled with warmth, joy, and the company of loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Local 1648!

11/11/2025

On this Veteran's Day, we honor and thank all who have served and continue to serve our country. Your sacrifice and dedication ensure our freedom and safety every day.

A special thank you to our very own Local 1648 members, FF Erick Brekke and FF Brandon Lambert, for their commitment and service both in our department and the armed forces. We are proud to have you on our team!

07/11/2025

Today, after a daring climb (and some gentle negotiation), Firefighter/Paramedic Rafert successfully rescued Whiskers, a nice little kitty cat, who is now safe on the ground and already plotting her next adventure.

Stay pawsitive, York! Your York Firefighters are always ready for anything… even the purr-sistent calls for help!

07/04/2025

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from Local 1648! 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing Independence Day! While you're out enjoying the food, fireworks, and time with friends and family, your local firefighters and medics are on duty and ready if you need us.

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the red, white, and blue!

From our firehouse family to yours, Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

06/15/2025

Today, we honor the fathers who wear the uniform and the ones who raised us to be strong, selfless, and brave. Whether you're spending today on shift or at home, your dedication as a father and a firefighter does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for leading with courage—at home and on the job.

From our family to yours, Happy Father’s Day!

06/14/2025

Today we celebrate Flag Day — a day to honor the symbol of our nation’s freedom, unity, and pride. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what the stars and stripes represent and the values that bind us together.