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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Captain
Age: 39
Year of Death: 2004

Bob Heminger

Submitted by his wife and children

Robert E. ‘Bobby’ Heminger‚ 39 years old‚ was a Captain with the Wood River Fire and Rescue Department in Wood River‚ Nebraska. In the early morning hours of Saturday‚ February 14‚ 2004‚ Bob and fellow firefighter Kenny Woitalewicz responded to a house fire where an elderly woman was trapped inside. Both firefighters entered the home hoping to rescue the victim when a poorly constructed roof loaded with ice collapsed on them‚ trapping them underneath the rubble. Captain Bobby Heminger died the next day from his injuries‚ and Captain Kenny Woitalewicz succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Captain Robert ‘Bobby’ Heminger joined the ranks of Wood River Fire and Rescue in 1984. He was a great promoter of the department‚ and encouraged many of the departmentïs current members to join‚ including his father‚ Dewey. During his 20 year career‚ Bobby’s training and dedication carried him to a place of prominence in the community. In addition to his fire fighting duties‚ he served as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician‚ CPR instructor‚ and Instructor trainer. Bobby was very active in fire prevention activities and loved to work with school children. Heminger received a Chief’s Citation for exemplary service in 2002 and a 20 year service award in 2004. Heminger was a key member of the Wood River Rescue Squad when they were awarded the Nebraska EMS Provider of the Year award in 1991 and 2002. At the time of his accident he was one of the most highly trained‚ experienced and dedicated members of the department.

Bob coached our son Jon’s baseball teams and was a Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed pheasant hunting‚ golf‚ working on computers‚ grilling and coaching and attending Jon and Lindsay’s sporting events. He taught CPR for Central Community College in Grand Island and had helped with the Farm Safety Just For Kids since its inception at Wood River High School. Bob enjoyed all firefighting activities and was a dedicated fireman who would be there to help anyone in the time of need.

Bob and I (Eva) were high school sweethearts‚ and celebrated our 18th anniversary shortly before his death. Our son Jon‚ 13 and our daughter Lindsay‚ 12 were his pride and joy. Jon has his father’s love of the outdoors – fishing and hunting‚ golf‚ and all sports. Lindsay looks so much like her daddy in his younger days‚ and is quite proud of it. Both kids have their dad’s wonderful sense of humor‚ and his love and respect for people.

His fellow firefighters remember a friend‚ a dedicated and knowledgeable firefighter who was willing to help. Bob was a loving father and husband‚ wonderful son‚ brother and friend. His family remembers an easy going‚ confident‚ caring and loving man and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a very special person with a heart of gold. He is truly missed by those who loved him dearly.

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  1. Sean is the son of Jon Heminger and grandchild of Bob Heminger

    – Sean Heminger