Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department - Nebraska

10/24/2026

👻Join us and several others for a day of fun and treats. 👻

10/07/2026

When you’re supposed to be teaching fire prevention, but the playground calls your name… 😂🚒🔥🚒🔥
In between classes, we took a quick break.

10/07/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department had its annual t-shirt contest with the sixth graders. 2026 fire prevention theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower". Winner gets his/her drawing printed on a t-shirt, picture on our page and in the local newspaper, also ride to school in a fire truck. This years winner is Pearl, daughter of James and Grace Simmons. Shirts sponsored by Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department, Kaiser Tire, Jeff and Kim Metz, Steel Grill Bar 64, Split Decisions Bar & Grill, Trinidad Benham, Karertte Drive-In, Broussard Trucking, H3, Frankies Bar & Grill, AM Wellness, Nien Pharmacy, Double A Feeds, Scottsbluff screen printing. Pictured is Miss Pearl holding her original drawing, with members of the department: Coote, Trinette, Kristie, Shawn Jr., Jason, Shawn Sr., Dave and Linle.

09/30/2026

In the Hot Seat with a Firefighter

Trinette Wells

How many years have you served with the Fire Department?
I have been on the department for 13 years.

What inspired you to join the Fire Department?
I have always enjoyed volunteering and giving back to the community and I thought this was a good way to do so on a regular bases.

What do you get out of being a member of the department?
Knowelege, we are always learning something new. And an extend family.

Is there anything you've learned from the department that you use in your daily personal life or work?
Almost everything. The main one is being more aware of my surroundings and what is going on around me.

How has being a firefighter affected your outlook on life?
It has changed how I see life. Makes me extremly gratefull for my family, knowing things can change in the blink of an eye

What do you enjoy the most about serving the community?
Educating the public on fire prevention.

What is the one thing you wish the public knew about being a volunteer fire fighter?
That we give up a lot of our personal time when the tones drop a lot of missed family meals, holidays, birthdays, school events and work. And although we show up with smiles and leave as though we arent bothered, the things we see weigh us down mentally and physically . And we fight them demons on a daily.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
We need new members if you're interested in anything at all that we do we do please reach out.

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

The Bridgeport Fire Department is grateful to announce that we are one of many departments that received a $5,000 grant from United Way of Western Nebraska, made possible through funds raised for the Western Fire Funds, in recognition of the department’s work during the Morrill Fire.
The Morrill Fire was a challenging incident that required a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and teamwork. Our members answered the call and worked alongside other firefighters to help protect lives, property, and our communities.
We are extremely thankful that the work of our firefighters has been recognized through this generous grant. The $5,000 will be put to good use helping our department continue to prepare for and respond to emergencies in our community and surrounding areas.
As a volunteer fire department, we rely heavily on the support of our community and generous organizations like United Way. Grants and donations allow us to obtain needed equipment, provide training, and continue improving our ability to respond when our neighbors need us most.
Thank you to United Way, the Western Fire Funds, and everyone who contributed to making this grant possible. Your generosity is a reminder that when disaster strikes, communities come together to support those who are willing to answer the call.
The Bridgeport Fire Department is proud to serve our community and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many other firefighters during the Morrill Fire.
From all of us at the Bridgeport Fire Department — thank you for supporting our firefighters and our community.

08/31/2026

🔥👕 6th Grade Fire Prevention T-Shirt Contest Shirts 👕🔥

It’s that time of year again! Our annual Fire Prevention T-Shirt Contest is underway with our local 6th graders. Over the years, members of our community have shown interest in purchasing these shirts—and we’re happy to make them available!

❤️ PUBLIC SHIRT ORDERS ❤️

Want to support our 6th graders and fire prevention by wearing this year’s winning design?

You can order one!

📌 Shirts are available by pre-order only
📌 Payment is required up front when placing your order
📌 We will only order the number of shirts that have been prepaid

🚒 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY 🚒

We are also looking for local businesses interested in sponsoring this year’s 6th Grade Fire Prevention T-Shirts!

Businesses that choose to sponsor will have their business name printed on the back of the shirts as a thank-you for supporting our students and fire prevention education.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to:
❤️ Support our local 6th graders
🔥 Promote fire prevention
🚒 Support our volunteer fire department
🏘️ Show their commitment to our community

Interested in sponsoring? Please contact us for sponsorship details.

Thank you to all of our amazing community members and businesses who continue to support our kids and fire prevention! ❤️

🔥 Together, we can make fire prevention education something our kids carry with them for a lifetime! 🚒

08/06/2026

Thanks to the generosity the Morrill Fire Donation Fund the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase 25 Wildland gear bags totaling $1,528.19.
When you're fighting a Wildland fire you never know how long you'll be on the fire line. Having the right gear and personal essentials can make a big difference in keeping our firefighters safe, comfortable and ready to do the job. Each firefighter will be issued a bag to keep packed and ready with items they need during extended incidents, including extra socks, a sweatshirt or sweater, snacks, medications, toiletries, gloves and other personal necessities. Having these items organized and ready to go allow our members to respond quickly and stay focused on protecting our community.
We're incredibly grateful to those who donated. Your generosity directly benefits our firefighters and helps ensure they are prepared for the challenges of Wildland firefighting.

07/13/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department
Weekly Fire Prevention Tips
Extreme Heat Danger and Fire Prevention:
1 Be cautious with Outdoor Equipment. Avoid mowing, welding or using equipment that can create sparks during the hottest, driest part of the day. Hot mufflers, chains and blades can ignite dry grass in seconds.
2 Never park on dry grass. A vehicle's cadillac converter can reach temperatures over a 1,000°F. Parking over tall and/or dry grass can ignite a fire without you even realizing it.
3 Respect burn restrictions. During periods of extreme heat and drought, outdoor burning can quickly become uncontrollable. Pay attention to local burn bans and Red Flag Warnings before burning debris or having recreational fires.
4 Stay Hydrated. High temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration especially if you're working outdoors. Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you don't feel thirsty. If working outside take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioned area.
5 Recognize the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

07/11/2026

In the Hot Seat with a Firefighter

John Pankowski

How many years have you served with the Fire Department?
I have been on the department for 20 years.

What inspired you to join the Fire Department?
Dave Smith talked me into joining to help the community.

What do you get out of being a member of the department?
Giving back to the community.

Is there anything you've learned from the department that you use in your daily personal life or work?
Learning to be able to read the terrain that I am driving on.

How has being a firefighter affected your outlook on life?
To be thankful, thankful for everything. Life is too short.

What do you enjoy the most about serving the community?
The thank yous that we receive.

What is the one thing you wish the public knew about being a volunteer fire fighter?
The commitment it takes. Not just showing up for a fire but also the time it takes to keep everything going.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Combining the City Hall with the Rural Hall has been efficient and I'm grateful that it was able to happen. I also wish the younger generation would be more willing to volunteer.