Firefighters from around the Omaha metro area paid their respects to one of the longest serving paramedics in the state Tuesday in Fort Calhoun.
Dennis M. Bender, a 50-year member of the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department, died March 10 after suffering a medical emergency while working in support of crews fighting a large brush fire in Washington County. Bender was among the first group of paramedics to be certified in Nebraska.
Firefighters saluted as the honor guard led Bender's flag-draped casket from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church to an ambulance, which led the procession to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha.
Dozens of emergency vehicles from more than 20 agencies followed as the procession made its way along U.S. Highway 75 to Ponca Road, pausing at the Ponca Hills fire station, where a U.S. flag was suspended over the road.
Douglas County Fire Dispatch gave its final call for Ponca Hills 370.
“Attention all fire and EMS personnel, Ponca Hills firefighter and Nebraska Certified Paramedic No. 24 Dennis M. Bender has answered his last alarm.”
The dispatcher noted Bender's service to the Ponca Hills neighborhood and surrounding communities. He was one of the most active responders on the department, saving countless lives. He also trained and mentored numerous new firefighters, paramedics and EMTs.
“In short, you dedicated your entire life to serving the Ponca Hills community. Dennis, thank you for your service. We will carry on from here, rest in peace and may God have mercy on your soul.”
