Omaha’s Firefighters Again Train in the Fous Tower Shadow
On Friday, June 13, 2025 the Society hosted a deduction ceremony, in memory of James W. Fous at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center.
The dedication plaque inside the facility training bay reads:
James “Jim” Fous was an Omaha native, growing up at 533 So. 27th Street. He lived comfortable at home with his parents, Stanley & Vi Fous, and his younger sister Sherry.
Stanley, like his father before him, was an Omaha firefighter. The family live a firefighter’s schedule, with him working 24 hours on, 24 hours off. Vi was a homemaker. The family was active with numerous organizations, primarily VFW Police & Fire Post 9551.
Jim was a baseball enthusiast, a love he brought with him when he reached Central High School. After High School Jim attended Omaha University, where he found he had a love of accounting. He began working in the City of Omaha’s Finance Office.
In 1967 Jim was drafted by the U.S. Army. He attended recruit training at Ft. Lewis, Washing in December. After training he was assigned an infantry specialty; he was sent for additional training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana.
Jim Shipped out to Vietnam aboard the USS Benewah, arriving in April 1968. He was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Company E, 47th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, based in Kien Hoa province. The unit was tasked with Operation People’s Road, an up-tempo mission designed to aggressively bring the fight to the enemy.
Jim’s first mission was on May 14, being part of a four-man reconnaissance. They marched all day without contacting the enemy. That evening they bedded down on a flat patch of ground, adjacent to a rice paddy. They took turns holding watch throughout the night.
During the late hours, and during Jim’s watch, the men were attacked. Jim engaged the enemy with his rifle, downing two of them – but not before a thrown hand grenade landed in their midst. Without hesitation and in total disregard for his own life, Jim used his body to smother the explosion. He was killed instantly; his fellow soldiers survived unharmed.
Jim’s gallantry and sacrifice was immediately noted by his peers and the U.S. Army. In Apriul 1970 President Richard Nixon presented Vi Fous with Jim’s posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor.
In further recognition of Jim’s sacrifice the Omaha Fire Department dedicated their new training tower in his memory. The tower sat at 1312 Abbott Drive. For the next 32 years the tower was a crucial proving ground for all of Omaha’s firefighters. Within its shadow they learned their trade and honed their craft.
The James W. Fous Memorial Training Center at Abbott Drive was decommissioned in 2002. A new training center was built at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center, along Rainwood Road. The tower, which served as a crucible for new fire recruits, was never dedicated. This matter was remedied on August 20, 2024, when the Omaha City Council unanimously passed Resolution 2024-0889, dedicating the tower as the James W. Fous Memorial Training Tower.
Jim Fous was an Omaha native, who in answering the call, selflessly gave of himself. May all who use this tower be inspired and guided by Jim Fous’ example of service.
Dignitaries included Mayor John Ewing, Papillion Fire Chief Robb Gottsch, Omaha Assistant Fire Chief Bill Bernard, Local 385 President Trevor Towey, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 279 President Terry Hester, Fr. Frank Jindra, Sherry Williams, sister of James Fous, and her family.
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