Veteran Fremont Fire Department employee and firefighter Dave “Woody” Wordekemper has announced his bid to replace Nebraska State Sen. Lynn Walz representing the 15th District.
Wordekemper, 58, made his candidacy public on Tuesday, Feb. 20, in a brief ceremony attended by other first responders from the community. He indicated that he is a Republican; however, the Nebraska Legislature is technically nonpartisan.
A firefighter for the past 29 years, Wordekemper is well-known in Dodge County and Fremont for his charity efforts in organizing toy and gift donations to children in need as well as his heroic actions during the floods of 2019, when he helped save the lives of numerous residents trapped by raging flood waters.
A native of West Point, Wordekemper — who goes by the nickname “Woody” — hopes to replace Walz, who is forced to retire after eight years in the Nebraska Legislature due to term limits.
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In brief telephone interview on Tuesday with the Tribune, Wordekemper said it would be his honor to replace Walz — a person he has supported during her time in Lincoln — and asked for the district’s voters to support him.
“I’m looking forward to representing the citizens of Dodge County and of western Douglas County. I am hoping to earn their votes so I can head down to Lincoln and do some good in the Legislature,” Wordekemper said.
According to a press release sent by his campaign, Wordekemper stated he will “prioritize public safety issues, find ways to reign in state spending, and work to lower the tax burden for all Nebraskans.”
“I will be a strong, conservative voice for hardworking Nebraskans,” Wordekemper said in the release. “I’ve been a public servant my entire adult life and understand the issues impacting the families of Dodge County and Valley. I look forward to working just as hard for those working families in the Legislature.”
He was born and raised in West Point and lives with his wife, Barb, who works as a registered nurse. The couple have two sons and a granddaughter.
According to the press release, the family are members of Saint Patrick Church in Fremont, and Wordekemper is involved with the Knights of Columbus Council 1497, a union officer with Fremont Fire Fighters Local 1015 and the Vice President of the Nebraska Association of Fire Fighters.