Hold On Tight: Extreme Bull Riding Meets Extraordinary Service

As we get closer to the Hallam Volunteer Fire & Rescue Extreme Bull Riding Event, we want to shine the light on one amazing man whose story reflects the heart of service found in all our firefighters, Assistant Chief Duane “Dewey” Aksamit.

Dewey has been part of Hallam Fire since April of 2001, giving over 24 years of dedicated service to our community. But his firefighting journey started long before that. Back in 1989, Dewey began his industrial firefighting career at Nestle Purina, and from there, his calling to serve only grew stronger. He went on to lead as the Fire Brigade Chief at Nebraska Public Power District’s Sheldon Station for 20 years. In 2012, he earned his Industrial Emergency Response Specialist degree from Texas A&M, later spending 12 years as a guest instructor at the Industrial Fire School,two years teaching Haz-Mat and ten years teaching Pro-Board Interior Firefighting.

Through every role, his passion has been the same: helping people and giving back.

When you ask Dewey why he serves, his answer is simple: “The best way to be involved in the community is to step up and volunteer. Make the change you want to see by being involved.” It’s a statement that not only defines his own life but speaks to the spirit of every volunteer firefighter who makes Hallam Fire & Rescue strong.

Outside of his fire gear, Dewey is a family man through and through. Together with his wife Mary they have 10 children all with spouses and families of their own. Their world is full of love with 31 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. And when the family isn’t gathered together, Dewey and Mary find joy in the simple peace of fishing from their pontoon.

The Extreme Bull Riding Event is all about excitement, grit, and cowboy courage,but at its core, it’s about honoring people like Dewey and the many others who put service above self. Every ticket sold helps Hallam Fire & Rescue stay equipped, trained, and ready to answer the call. So as the bulls buck and the crowd cheers, know that you’re part of something bigger,you’re supporting the men and women who keep our community safe.

Don’t wait to grab your tickets. Come out, cheer loud, and join us in celebrating heroes like Dewey, and all of the Hallam Volunteer Firefighters who give so much to protect us all.

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