Winnebago Celebrates Opening of New Emergency Response Building
December 1, 2025
Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska proudly celebrated the official opening of the new Cǭnį Wagijire Hoci (Winnebago Emergency Services) Building during a community open house on November 18, 2025. More than a year in the making, this long-anticipated facility represents a major investment in community safety, coordinated response, and the well-being of first responders.
The project broke ground on June 18, 2024, and reached completion in just 17 months—an impressive milestone for a facility of its scale and complexity. Designed by LEO A DALY and constructed by MCL Construction, the building incorporates thoughtful elements of Ho-Chunk culture, language, and values throughout its architecture. This cultural integration ensures the facility not only serves the community but also reflects the identity and strength of the Winnebago people.
The new Winnebago Emergency Services Building brings together key emergency and medical response units under one roof, including:
- Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Community Health Representatives (CHR), and Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO) Services
- Volunteer Fire Department
- The Tribe’s Emergency Manager
The facility includes a large gym, kitchen, ready room, workstations, overnight accommodations, and seven oversized vehicle bays built to house ambulances, fire trucks, and GSA vehicles. This centralized location significantly enhances communication, coordination, and response time for all first responders serving the Winnebago community.
“Having a space like this means everything to us,” said Isaac Smith, Chief of the Winnebago Volunteer Fire Department and Winnebago Vice-Chairman. “We respond because we love our community, and now we have a home base that helps us work more efficiently with EMS and the medical services teams and recruit more volunteers. This building gives us the tools we need to continue protecting our relatives when they need us most.”
Located just north of Winnebago, the building is owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. It was funded jointly by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System, representing a unified investment in long-term public safety infrastructure. On Tuesday, community members and guests toured the new facility, met first responders, and learned about the building’s features and future role in emergency operations.
“Today is more than an open house, it’s a celebration of gratitude,” said David Edwards. “Our EMS teams, CHRs, MVO staff, and volunteer firefighters give so much of themselves. They deserve a space that supports their work, protects their health, and honors their service.”