Hogsett recognized by state program for volunteer service

Dave Hogsett was recognized by the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission Oct. 27 as part of the eighth annual ServeNebraska Step Forward Awards.
ServeNebraska recognizes exemplary volunteers across the state for their time and service aimed at making the state’s communities better.
Hogsett, nominated by his sister Brenda Sanchez, was among 11 Nebraskans honored at a ceremony in Omaha.
He was the Adult Volunteer awardee, given to an individual, 19 or over, who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service.
“David’s community can always count on him to help out with everything from chasing cows to visiting those under the weather. For the past 22 years, David has shared his passion for trap shooting with children and youth in the community. Through local 4H and a biennial science camp, he teaches how to handle a gun safely, how to shoot to protect livestock and how to hunt,” his nomination reads.
“David is also a volunteer firefighter. He worked his way up to fire chief, and then used his position to fund-raise for improvements to the fire hall building and equipment. Though he has since stepped down from the role of chief, he still volunteers with the department.
“On a mission to reach out to those who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting, David started the Cowboy Church. He traveled around the county to learn how to oragainze the church, and now they meet about twice a month in the local sales barn.
“David Wayne Hogsett embodies what it means to be ‘Nebraska Nice.’ ”
Hogsett has served with the Lamar Fire Department for 28 years.
He was selected by Governor Pete Ricketts and received the award from Nebraska First Lady Susanne Shore.
“Volunteers are part of what makes Nebraska such a great place to live,” said Cathleen Plager, executive director of ServeNebraska.
“We’re proud to partner with the Governor’s office to celebrate them for all they do for our communities.”
While at the ceremony, Hogsett had a chance to visit with former Champion teacher Alvin Christensen who attended the event to see his daughter Rhonda McClellan, a Nebraska Air National Guard veteran from Lincoln, receive the Veterans Award for serving “honorably on active duty in the armed forces and has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during and after active duty.”