Be a Misfit, Be a Student of the Craft.
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The very definition of a Misfit is "a person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others in an uncomfortable way." We strive to set ourselves apart with our training and passion for the job. In our profession, a Misfit is not adverse. A Misfit is someone who sets themselves apart but is ready to be attacked because oftentimes, only mediocrity is safe. At Midwest Misfits we pride ourselves on setting ourselves apart from mediocrity and agendas that plague our job.
Our Team.
Cody Brdicko
Cody is a firefighter assigned to Heavy Rescue 33 in Omaha, NE. He is a member of FEMA’s Nebraska Task Force 1 where he holds the positions of Rescue, Logistics and Water Rescue Specialist while also serving as part of the FEMA Instructor Cadre for all rescue disciplines including Rope, Confined Space, Trench, Vehicle Extrication, Heavy Vehicle Extrication, Machinery, Structural Collapse and Swift Water Rescue. He is a graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Management and a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He has taught at several departments and conferences including Revolutionary Fire Tactics and Wichita HOT.
Ryan Loewenstein
Ryan is 24-year veteran of the Fire Service where he serves as Captain to Special Operations Engine-Rescue 60 in Omaha, NE. Ryan is a veteran of the US Navy where he specialized in CBRNE. He is a member of FEMA Nebraska Task Force One as a Rescue, HazMat, Water Rescue Specialist and Rescue Squad Officer. He is part of the FEMA Instructor Cadre for all rescue disciplines including Rope, Confined Space, Trench, Vehicle Extrication, Heavy Vehicle Extrication, Machinery, Structural Collapse and Swift Water Rescue. Ryan is also an SSI Advanced Open Water and Public Safety Diving Instructor.
Nate Spath
Nate is a Captain with the Omaha Fire Department assigned to Truck 63. Most of his career has been spent working in special operations. Nate is a Veteran of the US Army where he specialized in vehicle recovery. Nate is a member of FEMA Nebraska Task Force One as a Logistics Manager, Water Rescue Specialist, and is part of the FEMA Instructor Cadre for all rescue disciplines including Rope, Confined Space, Trench, Vehicle Extrication, Heavy Vehicle Extrication, Machinery and Swift Water Rescue. Nate also spent 9 years teaching at Metropolitan Community College.
Phil Gilman
Phil is an 9-year student of the Fire Service and currently assigned to Special Operations Engine-Rescue 60 in Omaha, NE. He began his studies in the fire service as a student at Iowa Central Community College then Eastern Kentucky University. He spent time with the Richmond, KY, Fire department and Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department, TN prior to Omaha Fire. He currently holds a role of HAZMAT Manager for FEMA NE-TF1. Phil currently works at the UL Fire Safety Research Institute as a Lab Technician and has held that role for 6 years. Phil specializes in instruction on Fire Sciences, Engine Operations, Sprinkler and Standpipe Operations, and Technical Rescue.
Ben Bolte
Ben’s career in the fire service started in 2004, as a third generation volunteer firefighter for Ralston Fire. In 2008, he became a career firefighter for Papillion Fire Department, advancing to the rank of captain in 2014. In addition to his assignment in Papillion, he’s been an active member of Nebraska Task Force 1 (NE-TF1), FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Team since 2013, working a variety of roles on several deployments. He currently holds the following roles with NE-TF1: Training Cadre, Rescue Squad Officer, Safety Officer, Water Rescue Specialist/Boat Operator. Through Nebraska Task Force 1, Ben worked closely with the Nebraska National Guard to launch the state’s first Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSART), where he served in the capacity of a rescue specialist after devastating floods in 2019. A lifelong student of the fire service, Ben prides himself on continual learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He specializes in Engine Company Operations, Structural Collapse, Boat Operations and Technical Rescue. He has taught several classes for Southeast Community College and for area Fire Departments.
David Andersen
David is a Captain/Paramedic assigned to Truck 32 at the Council Bluffs Fire Dept. David is a member of FEMA Nebraska Task Force One as a Rescue Squad Officer, Rescue Specialist and HazMat Specialist. He is part of the FEMA Instructor Cadre for all rescue disciplines including Rope, Confined Space, Trench, Vehicle Extrication, Heavy Vehicle Extrication, Machinery, and Structural Collapse. David has been an instructor in the Fire Service and Tech Rescue field for 10 years.
Jason Himmelsehr
Jason is a dedicated Firefighter with over 16 years of experience in the Fire Service. For the past decade, Jason has proudly served with the Council Bluffs Fire Department, currently assigned to Engine 31 Downtown. Prior to this he served as a volunteer with Lewis Township Volunteer Fire Department gaining a deep passion for public safety. In addition to his firefighting duties, Jason is an active member of FEMA's Nebraska Task Force 1 where he holds roles as a Rescue, HAZMAT and Water Rescue Specialist.
Tony is a 2nd generation, 20+ year veteran for a career department serving in an urban environment. He is currently operating in the role of Company Officer of an Engine Company in a multi-unit house. Aside from the fire service Tony worked for 12 years as a climbing arborist. His educational background consists of a Bachelor of Arts – Graphic Communication and an Associates of Science in Fire Science, along with several IFSAC/NIMS certifications, he is currently working through a Master’s Degree in Organizational Science and Leadership. Through his initial 16 years serving on the backstep of a Truck Company he has gained an in-depth understanding of vehicle extrication, roof ops and forcible entry. Since assuming the role of Company Officer Tony has headed projects in redesigning hose packages for Engine Operations, along with extending his understanding of incident command, strategies and tactics. Tony offers a unique perspective in regards to accountability, preparation, efficiency, planning and contingencies; rooted in a lifetime of managing Type I Diabetes that he was diagnosed with at the age of 8. He is a loving husband and proud father to two daughters.
Tony Siedlik
