Patti Jo Peterson
Managing editor

Plattsmouth hero Fay Jose took his last ride in the rescue squad unit Tuesday following a funeral service at the fire/rescue station honoring the 92-year-old public servant.

Fay passed away Nov. 12, after serving on Plattsmouth Rescue Squad for 41 years and fire department for 48 years. He was the oldest living Emergency Medical Technician in Nebraska. On May 23, Gov. Dave Heineman also made him an honorary admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.

More than 400 people attended the service to bid a final farewell to their family member, friend and /or fellow citizen.

Plattsmouth Fire Chief Bill Dudek shared memories of Fay’s commitment to the department as well as rescue service.

"Fay joined Plattsmouth Fire Department on Dec. 1, 1961, after feeling the need to help his community after a fire broke out at the large hotel that used to sit at Sixth and Main Street," Dudek said.

Joining sparked Fay’s lifelong commitment to help protect the lives and property of Plattsmouth citizens and surrounding communities. In his earlier days, Fay responded to 100 to 200 fire calls each year, and well over 5,000 rescue calls over his entire years of service to the squad.

"Even as Fay got older his dedication and passion to help his fellow man never diminished," Dudek said.

In his 90s, Fay continued to be active in the fire and rescue squads. "He still attended meetings, trainings and even, occasionally, rode on a fire truck or rescue unit," Dudek said.

Even the fire station building immortalizes Fay’s commitment to emergency services. "In 1968, the fire department saw the need for a new fire station," Dudek said. "Fay was awarded the contract to build the five-bay station that you are sitting in today. So you are literally sitting in the house that Fay built."

In 1968, local funeral home directors announced they would no longer transport the sick and injured.

"This began what has now become the Plattsmouth Rescue Squad," Dudek said.

Fay was a charter member of the squad. Fay began taking classes in first aid early in 1969 and completed his Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance certification in 1972.

Fay was a charter member of the squad. Fay began taking classes in first aid early in 1969 and completed his Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance certification in 1972.

He completed his last certification in 2007. "Earlier this year, Fay was recognized by the state of Nebraska as the longest serving EMT in the state," Dudek said.

Fay loved helping people. "Fay’s favorite place to ride was the shotgun seat of the rescue squads," Dudek explained. "It was nice to have Fay on calls as he knew just about everyone in town. This helped calm and ease many patients."

Fay was popular among patients. "It also meant that if you were at Plattsmouth Manor or the Masonic Home you might be there a little longer, because he would like to stop by and chat with all of his lady friends," Dudek said.

In January 2006, Fay was recognized by Plattsmouth Fire Department as a lifetime member, the highest honor the department bestows.

"Fay will not only be missed as a firefighter/EMT, but as a friend, a mentor and a kind and caring gentleman. We will miss his stories and sense of humor alike," Dudek said.

As a tribute to Fay, fire and rescue members arranged for two members of Offutt Air Force Base Fire Department’s Ceremonial Guard stand at attention, one bearing the Golden Axe and the other the Golden Pike Pole. A bagpipe musician from Omaha played "America the Beautiful," "Amazing Grace" and "I’m Going Home" in his honor.

Firefighters and rescue squad members set up a locker in the fire station to display Fay’s fire gear, EMT vest and walking cane.

"Cheryl Grimshaw made the cane," former fire chief Mike Wilson explained. "It has a special firefighter with the number 3 carved on it. Fay’s locker number was 3."

Fay’s family was presented his fire helmet, a Plattsmouth fire and rescue Maltese cross grave marker, his EMS vest, a memorial firefighter flag and his remains before department and squad members formed a procession, each in his or her respective dress uniform and each bearing a black band signifying Fay’s passage.

Family members walked in between the procession to deliver Fay to the unit for his final ride.

Prior to the fire/rescue ceremony, Pastor Jeff McDonald of Murray Presbyterian Church delivered a sermon and pastoral blessing.

Norm Kestrel, Fay’s close friend, and granddaughters,Denise Ayers and Sharlyn Deterding  shared words of remembrance.