Answering the Call: Sean Roberts on Fire, Rescue and Community

When Sean Roberts isn’t forecasting call volumes or managing agent schedules as a business systems analyst at Mutual of Omaha, he’s responding to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Ralston Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Ralston, Nebraska. 

For nearly seven of his eleven years at Mutual, Roberts has balanced his professional responsibilities with a deep commitment to public service, often stepping into someone’s worst day with compassion, skill and resolve. 

“I’ve always been big on volunteering and giving back to my community,” Roberts said. “I reached a point in my life where I just needed something a little bit higher, a little bit more, and I found the Ralston Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.” 

Ralston’s department is 100% volunteer, yet it holds itself to the same rigorous standards as neighboring paid departments. Applicants undergo a physical agility test in full gear, completing six stations in under six minutes.

“We hold ourselves to the same standards as the Omaha Fire Department and Papillion Fire Department,” Roberts said. 

Roberts’ commitment is substantial. Volunteers respond to at least 10% of the calls. And with 50 to 60 calls monthly in a city just 1.2 square miles, the pace is intense.

“I’ve been on probably close to 1,000 calls now,” Roberts said. “I personally try and respond to about 150 to 200 of our roughly 700 calls a year.” 

Every member of the department is required to hold an EMT license and Roberts has gone further, earning certifications in Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Hazmat Operations and Fire Apparatus Engineering.

“We’re both fire and rescue,” he said. “The call mixture is roughly 90% medical related and 10% fire.” 

Though Roberts has answered hundreds of emergency calls and earned numerous certifications, he remains deeply humble. He consistently attributes success to his fellow volunteers and community and values every opportunity to serve others. 

Roberts said he finds great meaning and purpose in the impact he makes.

“We’re walking into every person’s worst day of their lives,” he said. “Looking out and seeing that you did something positive for someone else is probably one of the best and most rewarding parts of being a firefighter.” 

Balancing his volunteer work with his role at Mutual of Omaha requires flexibility and understanding.

“One of the fantastic things about my current manager and some of my past managers is they understand work-life balance,” Roberts said. “It’s all about having great leadership that understands the need for flexibility.” 

Roberts’ experiences as a firefighter have shaped his approach to teamwork and leadership at Mutual of Omaha.

“You learn to work in a team environment where the people have different backgrounds and experience levels,” he said.

Roberts also emphasized the importance of listening as a leadership skill.

“Being able to listen and understand where people are coming from, and what they need, has really helped me in a lot of my positions here at Mutual of Omaha.” 

Outside of work and volunteering, Roberts finds joy in soccer, supporting various national and international teams as well as the Union Omaha soccer club. He helps the team’s volunteers with community outreach and even plays the drums during games to energize the crowd. 

For those considering volunteer fire and rescue, Roberts offers heartfelt advice.

“Find what matches your best skill sets. We’re only as good as the community we live in and the kindness that we show others. You’ll never find a more rewarding commitment once you’re able to fully commit yourself to it.” 

Sean Roberts exemplifies what it means to live with purpose, serving his colleagues, community and city with humility, heart and unwavering dedication.