"Courage in Action: Meet Volunteer Firefighter AJ Kurtzer"

When most people think of volunteering, they imagine handing out flyers or helping at a bake sale. For AJ Kurtzer, volunteering means running toward the fire.When most people hear a siren, they pull over and wait. When AJ Kurtzer hears it, she runs toward the call.  

AJ has served Hallam Fire & Rescue for three years as FF2, EMT, and Secretary. But her journey began long before that, in 2009, when she and her family built a home several miles outside Cortland. “I wanted to feel connected to my community,” AJ recalls. “I became an EMT first, then took Firefighter 1 training in Adams. I immediately fell in love with firefighting. It challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally and I knew I had found where I belonged.”

Her dedication didn’t stop there. AJ also became a part-time instructor for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, helping train the next generation of firefighters. And when her work brought her to Hallam, it felt only natural to continue serving the community she calls home.

Some calls leave marks that never fade. For AJ, it was the October 2022 fires, which tore across Cortland and Hallam. “The days and weeks were exhausting,” she says. “But I will never forget seeing our community come together. People brought food and water to the station. Farmers used their equipment to turn soil, helping us contain the fast-moving fires. It was a moment of pure humanity,every person stepping up to help their neighbors.”

It’s experiences like these that fuel AJ’s commitment. She sees first-hand how important training, tools, and equipment are in keeping firefighters and residents safe. “Hallam continues to grow, and we have to be prepared for every scenario. Every dollar raised ensures that we have the resources, the training, and the tools to do our job effectively.”

For AJ, being part of Hallam Fire & Rescue is more than a title, it’s family. “The people in this department are my brothers and sisters. Not everyone can handle the stress, the mental anguish, and the weight we carry as volunteers, but every single person here is family. We share a bond that’s unshakable.”

When she’s not answering emergency calls, AJ enjoys traveling, tailgating, hosting family and friends, and celebrating rural life with her loved ones. She believes in making life joyful, even amidst the chaos of service.

As you cheer on the bull riders at this year’s Extreme Bull Riding Event, remember that behind the excitement are people like AJ Kurtzer,women who run toward danger, who build community, and who remind us that courage isn’t about strength alone, it’s about heart.

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