Grand Island Fire Fighters IAFF Local 647

05/30/2026

Over the weekend, delegates from Local 647 attended the Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters Association annual convention. In addition to the normal conduction of business, we took time to recognize Brother Dave Wordekemper for his years of service as Eastern Vice President. We would also like to congratulate Brother Josh Neville of Local 3767 in Papillion on his election to that position. We would also like to thank North Platte Professional Firefighters Local 831 for hosting another great convention!

05/19/2026

This past weekend, your Grand Island Firefighters donated their time and their knowlege, hosting the Grand Island Fire Search Academy at Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association Fire School. Forty students from more than twenty fire departments across the state were represented. On Friday, students spent some time in the classroom discussing topics related to search. On Saturday, volunteers from the ranks of Local 647 proctored six different hands on skill stations, giving students an entire day to practice and refine skills that they can take back and serve their communities. Sunday capped off the weekend with a live fire evolution, as well as a firefighter CPR station.

We believe that sharing knowledge and training hard will result in a safer, more effective fire service, and are grateful to all of our members for giving freely of themselves this last weekend. We would also like to thank the Grand Island Fire Department administration for their support, the City of Grand Island - Community Fieldhouse for their excellent classroom space, and most of all the students for bringing their best each day of the weekend. We're already looking forward to next year!

(Pictures from Sunday were taken by L647's very own Sam Snyder!)

05/16/2026

We’re off and running! If you’re in town, come see Local 647 Logan Watts present at the Grand Island Liederkranz!

05/15/2026

Exciting news about Tactics on Tap! The Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors (NSFSI) has generously donated a few prizes for our raffle tonight, including a pass for the 2027 Les Lukert Conference! Come down to the Grand Island Liederkranz at 6 and see what all the hype is about!

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Captain Laub on reaching this major career milestone!

Congratulation to Captain Brad Laub on his 35 year anniversary with Grand Island Fire Department. You don't see that kind of dedication very often!

Thank you Brad for your continued dedication and service to our community!

05/11/2026

We still have some availability for our bourbon fundraiser as well! Follow the QR code below to learn more and secure yours today!

05/11/2026

Thank you to Dinges Fire Company / Nebraska for sponsoring our event! We have even more prizes available this year than we did last year, stop by our booth at Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association fire school this Friday to register!

Grand Island Firefighters IAFF Local 647 Tactics on Tap Event Friday night at 6:00. We are proud to sponsor some of the door prizes again this year, don't miss this great event. We are proud that Dinges Fire Company Rep and Grand Island Fire Captain Logan will once again be the presenter.

05/03/2026

In April, a group of firefighters from Grand Island had the privilege of traveling to Earling, Iowa to hand select a barrel of bourbon to raise money for the Grand Island Professional Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation. This bourbon is a true grain to glass limited release by Lonely Oak Distillery. It is a 4-Grain Sour Mash bottled at the Cask Strength of 118 proof. You’ll enjoy the sweetness of the corn and wheat, the spice of the rye and the creamy, nuttiness of the oats. It is being offered at $75. We also have a limited number of 4-glass Flight Boards as well as tasting glasses available for purchase. The flight boards are $40 and the glasses are $6.
All proceeds will go to the Grand Island Firefighter Charitable Foundation. This foundation is run by the Grand Island Professional Firefighters Union, Local 647 and is dedicated to supporting the community by providing financial assistance, resources and advocacy after a fire or other disaster. The foundation aids local families or individuals who have been affected in our local community primarily. We also support other related charities and institutions that have a direct impact on our local community including, but not limited to: The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Grace Foundation and Operation Warm, which provides winter coats to local elementary school students in need.

Click on the link below or scan the QR Code to get to the order form. Make sure you fill it out completely. Someone will reach out to you with payment and delivery information.

https://forms.gle/iGGSsj9CbFrQLEM98

05/02/2026

PRE-REGISTRATION IS LIVE! Fill out the form linked below to secure your seat at Tactics on Tap 2026! We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Event Address: Grand Island Liederkranz, 401 W. 1st St, Grand Island, NE, 68801 Base Admission $30 Cocktail hour and food will be served starting at 6 PM, presentation by Local 647 VP Logan Watts starting at 7 PM. Door Prizes before presentation, Raffle Drawings done at around 8 PM. Contact Local 64...

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Pat on his work anniversary!

Congratulations to Firefighter/EMT Pat Sheehan on his 25-year anniversary with the GIFD!

Thank you Pat for your continued service and dedication to the department and our community!