07/24/2025
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It is with a very heavy heart that Ralston Volunteer Fire & Rescue announces the passing of Retired Member Dave Shively. Dave passed away last night at Bergan Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his family and fellow members of RVFD. His loss leaves a deep void that can never be replaced.
Dave joined the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 and served until his retirement in 1983. Even after retiring, he remained actively involved with the department in many different capacities. One of his most notable roles was serving as the Honor Guard Commander and a proud member of the Honor Guard since its inception in 2002. Dave faithfully served the department for 59 years.
Over those decades, there are countless memories of Dave and his selfless service to RVFD and the City of Ralston. He held the position of 1st Assistant Fire Chief, the second-highest rank in the department. In his younger years though always young at heart Dave was a fierce competitor on the Water Fighting Grounds. Many of the trophies in our meeting room and dayroom bear Dave’s name, earned through hard-fought battles.
Dave could be seen for many years proudly driving our 1924 Ford Model T in the annual 4th of July Parade. In February 2017, he became the 9th recipient of the department’s highest honor, the Pete Petersen Award.
Dave was a kind, approachable, and gentle man who loved nothing more than serving his community. Everyone knew Dave Shively in their own special way whether through his work as a City Employee, Auctioneer, Truck Driver, Neighbor, or many other roles. Many members would consider him the heart of Ralston Fire and Rescue.
Whether it was 2 a.m. or in the bitter cold of winter at a house fire, Dave was always there. He pushed young members to be their best and was often the one to beat for the Top Responder Award. Because of his unwavering dedication and commitment to the department and community, in 2022 the department proudly named the Top Responder Award in his honor. Dave was a tough and devoted servant of this department, and that recognition brought him genuine joy and emotion.
The fire whistle has sounded once more, this time calling Dave home. He has answered his final call, joining the many great members of RVFD who have gone before him. We know they are watching over us together.
Dave wouldn’t want us to be sad. He would want us to continue to answer the call, carry on what he loved, and live by the example he set during his 59 years of service. The red Ralston Fire & Rescue rigs will keep rolling, lighting up the streets he called home. We may be one man short, but he’ll always be in the driver’s seat watching over us.
**Updated** Funeral Arrangements are set as Wednesday July 30th at 9-11 am for Visitation before the funeral at 11am at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cuter at 7805 W Center Road Omaha, NE. There will be a Luncheon to follow the service. No interment at this time.
We request no Fire Apparatus or other type of emergency vehicles. If a Fire Department is bringing multiple people a Department Issue Pick Up or SUV is acceptable.
