First Responders Foundation Announces Leadership Transition

The First Responders Foundation (firstrespondersomaha.org) is formally announcing the retirement of co-founder and President and Executive Director Ray Somberg.

Somberg and longtime friend Jerry Hoberman founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008 in an effort to enhance public safety and build community appreciation and respect for our first responders. Under Somberg’s leadership, the First Responders Foundation has donated more than 1.5 million dollars for much needed equipment and support for Omaha’s police and fire departments.

The foundation is pleased to announce that Major General (Ret) Al Batschelet has agreed to accept the position vacated by Somberg and will take over executive responsibilities immediately. MG(R) Batschelet had a 33-year career in the US Army and retired as a Major General. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science from Iowa State University and three military master degrees. Batschelet has been a motivational leader, a creative thinker and consensus builder in organizations ranging in size from several hundred to over 100,000. Most recently, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base. There Al was directly responsible for the supervision of more than 4,000 military and civilian staff personnel in 10 operating units.

The First Responders Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners directly with Omaha’s police and fire departments and unions to provide meaningful resources and vital equipment and create programs and events that make a positive impact on the community. Find out more at firstrespondersomaha.org.