Ponca Hills paramedic dies while fighting fire in Washington County

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A paramedic and firefighter with the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department died Wednesday while fighting a large brush fire in rural Washington County.

Dennis M. Bender, one of the longest serving paramedics in the state, died as the result of a medical emergency while working in support of crews battling the fire east of Fort Calhoun.

Bender was among the first group of paramedics to be certified in Nebraska. He had served the Ponca Hills department and community for 50 years, according to Ponca Hills Fire Chief Joel Sacks.

“We ask for your prayers for his family, firefighter family and friends,” Sacks said in a press release.

Several departments responded to the blaze at approximately 3:30 p.m. The fire was reported under control just before 6 p.m.