Governor Ricketts recognizes first responders during national crash responder safety week

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Governor Pete Ricketts has proclaimed the week of Nov. 8-14, as Nebraska Crash Responder Safety Week.

This week, Governor Ricketts proclaimed Nov. 8-14 as Nebraska Crash Responder Safety Week. This afternoon, the Governor joined NDOT Director Selmer, Lieutenant Michael Korte and Waco Volunteer Fire Department representative, Matt Mau, to recognize Nebraska’s Crash Responders.

November 8-14 is National Crash Responder Safety Week, formerly known as National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week, recognizes the work of first responders, advocates for participation in traffic incident training and raises awareness to the importance of moving over and slowing down when people are within distance of emergency vehicles on the roadway.

“Nebraskans throughout the state are members of local police and fire departments, and volunteer in our communities to respond to emergencies,” said Governor Ricketts. “Our first responders are our neighbors, family, and friends. They risk their lives each time they respond to help those in need following a crash. We can help too by slowing down and moving over when encountering emergency responders on the roadway.”

From January to October of this year, over 50 responders nationwide have been killed when struck by a vehicle while responding to an incident on the roadway. Each of those responders were working to help those in need, while also working to help move traffic through the crash scene.

“We are here to serve the great people of Nebraska and those traveling through our state, but we also want to go home and be with our loved ones,” said Matt Mau, member of the Waco Volunteer Fire Department. “Please slow down and move over so that we can all go home.”