Cory Schmidt
Chief

Fire Station #1, 409 East Fonner Park Road
Grand Island, NE 68801
Phone: (308) 385-5301

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Cory Schmidt was born and raised in St. Paul, NE.  Shortly after graduating from St. Paul High school, Cory enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years as a fire protection specialist.  In the USAF, Cory gained the foundation needed to continue his career in the fire service.

After his discharge from the military, Cory returned home and was hired by the Grand Island Fire Department in 1996.  Cory progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2012.  Cory is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's (NFA)  Executive Fire Officer Program, winner of  NFA's outstanding research award , and completed the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program. Cory has earned an Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Bachelor degree in Business Administration/Management, and a Master of Business Administration.  

Cory and his wife Wendy enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors. Chief Schmidt's favorite quote is:

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Rose Rhoads
Administrative Assistant to the Chief

Fire Station #1, 409 East Fonner Park Road
Grand Island, NE 68801
Phone: (308) 385-5300

Rose Rhoads grew up in the Sargent/Taylor area.  Rose moved to Grand Island and attended CCC.  In 2010 Rose graduated from Doane college with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.  Rose has previously worked for Menards and Pella Windows & Doors.

In 2008 Rose became the Planning Secretary for the City of Grand Island.  Her responsibilities have been payroll, Planning Meetings, CRA meetings, processing LOMA requests, customer service and assisting the Building Department. 

Rose and her husband, Jayson, who is a Project Estimator for Chief, live in Grand Island.  Together, they have four children (Jake, Jadeyn, Jordyn and Lexie).  In their spare time they like to spend time at their kids activities, enjoying evenings on their deck, DIY (Do It Yourself) projects and spending quality time with family and friends.

Russ Blackburn
Emergency Medical Services Division Chief
           
409 E. Fonner Park Rd.
Grand Island, NE  68801
P.O. Box 1968
Grand Island, NE  68802-1968
Phone: (308) 385-5302      
 
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Russ Blackburn is the Division Chief in charge of the Emergency Medical Services of the Grand Island Fire Department.

Russ began his fire service career with the Hastings Fire Department where he worked 6 years as a Firefighter/ EMT-A.  Russ joined the GIFD in 1998 as a Firefighter/Paramedic.  Russ was promoted to Captain and shortly after to the EMS Division Chief. 

Education includes a Bachelors of Science Degree in Management from Bellevue University, and Associates of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Southeast Community College. Paramedic training was received at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He is also a Hazardous Materials Technician with over 200 hours of training in the specialty.

Besides 17 years “street level” experience in the field of EMS, Russ also in an instructor for Emergency Medical Technician, ACLS and CPR and has taught classes for the EMS Division of Nebraska Health and Human Services, Central Community College, and Saint Francis Medical Center.

Russ was born in Scottsbluff, NE and moved, with his family to Omaha then settled in Hastings. He signed up as a volunteer firefighter with the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed the vocation so much that he tested and became a professional Firefighter the next year. He is married to Kerri, and has two sons, Connor and Aidan. His sister, Chris Blackburn, PhD. is living in Washington D.C.; working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. His father lives in Hastings and they enjoy playing golf together whenever they get the chance.

Phil Thomas
Fire Prevention Division Chief

100 East First Street
Grand Island, NE 68801
P.O. Box 1968
Grand Island, NE 68802-1968
Phone: 308-385-5444 Ext. 1228

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Phillip Thomas began his service with Grand Island Fire in 2007, bringing with him a decade of experience as a Paramedic and Volunteer Firefighter from Aurora, Nebraska. Passionate about helping others, Phil found fulfillment not only in emergency response but also in mentoring new recruits and teaching Paramedic courses at Central Community College.

In 2015, Phil was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. During his time in this role, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Peru State College, served as Union President, and expanded his skillset by becoming both a certified Fire Investigator and Hazmat Technician. He also contributed to the department by serving on several committees and supporting a variety of administrative and operational duties.  Phil advanced to the position of Battalion Chief in 2022. In this leadership role, he has enjoyed overseeing shift operations, managing incidents, and supporting the department’s evolving technology needs.  In April of 2025 he was promoted to Fire Prevention Division Chief which brings with it a whole new set of challenges that he is excited to manage.

Outside of work, Phil is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Shelly, are proud parents of two daughters: Lauryn, and Sydney.  He enjoys just about anything outdoors including motorsports, hunting, golfing and training for the occasional running races.

Matt Caward
Fire Operations and Training Chief

409 E. Fonner Park Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68801
P.O. Box 1968
Grand Island, NE 68802-1968
Phone: (308) 385-5311

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Matthew Caward retired from Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue in Albuquerque, NM, after 20 years of service, serving as a Firefighter/Driver Operator, Chaplain, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Commander. Matt now serves as the Deputy Fire Chief of the Grand Island Fire Department in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Founder of the Back-to-Back World Champion Duke City Gladiators professional Arena Football Franchise in Albuquerque, NM.  His background includes over twenty-three years in the fire service, over twenty years as a small business owner, and more than two decades of full-time ministry.

Chief Caward has extensive leadership experience in personal and professional development, having successfully guided countless individuals and teams to achieve their ultimate potential. The RGB approach is practical and results-driven. I know we can unlock you and your team's Championship potential.

Chief Caward is a gifted speaker committed to helping individuals achieve their goals. His speeches are crafted to inspire, motivate, and empower you to take decisive action. As a successful entrepreneur in professional sports, construction, and ministry, Matt profoundly understands the challenges of starting and growing a business and brings this experience to his speeches and conferences. He has the background, knowledge, and abilities to help inspire entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and succeed.