My name is Kathy Bossman, and I am a Battalion Chief with the Omaha Fire Department. I began my career with the Omaha Fire Department in 1997. My interest in becoming an Omaha Firefighter began when I was completing training to become a Paramedic.

As part of my Paramedic training, I rode along with the Omaha Fire Department Medic Units and was able to see first-hand the work that firefighters do. I could see the role they play in mitigating various emergencies, whether they are extinguishing a building fire, or caring for an elderly person with chest pain. I recognized how a firefighter’s work can have a positive, lasting impact on someone that is potentially having the worst day of his or her life.

I was captivated by the challenges that firefighters face on a daily basis, and how they work together to overcome those challenges. It was then that I decided I wanted to be part of a team that makes a difference in our Community.

I was captivated by the challenges that firefighters face on a daily basis, and how they work together to overcome those challenges.

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I became a firefighter to achieve my lifelong dream of serving the community in which I live. Each day and call is different and being able to make a difference is a rewarding part of the job. I continue to gain knowledge and experience from the men and women that I work alongside every day.

I became a firefighter to achieve my lifelong dream of serving the community in which I live.

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When I joined the fire department 18 years ago, I never dreamed it would be as rewarding as it has been. I can’t imagine working with a better group of people.

I joined the fire service because I’ve always been a people person. I love helping people and the thrill of doing something that test the boundaries of your abilities in a difficult environment. Just when you think that you have seen and done everything possible, something is thrown at you that you have never experienced before, once again testing you to see what you are capable of doing in a hostile or strange environment. That is what the fire service provides.

I joined the fire service because I’ve always been a people person. I love helping people and the thrill of doing something that test the boundaries of your abilities in a difficult environment.

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I have always been a person who enjoyed doing difficult and/or unconventional jobs and hobbies. I have lifted weights my entire life even when it wasn’t ‘in’ for a female to do so.

I took my first fire test when I was just 17. I thought it would be very exciting to be a firefighter. I have always enjoyed physical challenges and was never afraid to try anything new. I enjoyed helping others but needed something physical at the same time, so I thought the fire service would be the perfect fit for me. And it has been. After passing the written and being invited to take the physical test, I then realized that I was not old enough to get the job.

As I got older I realized I had better try to get on again before it was too late. And it was even more of a challenge then, since I was in my late 30s. These years I have spent on the fire department have been some of the best years of my life. My only regret is that I didn’t try to get on again as soon as I was old enough instead of waiting until I was almost too old.

These years I have spent on the fire department have been some of the best years of my life.

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