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Andrew Coates

Nebraska volunteer firefighter and licensed EMT whose rejection from the Fremont Fire Department over his homeschool background sparked a national campaign and a policy reversal.

Oct 3, 2026

23:35
I would imagine that that was pretty encouraging.
23:39
It really was.
23:40
Like you said, we had members of FRC there from Washington.
23:45
We had an FRC chapter from Lincoln, my fire chief, friends and family, and other churches just come and support what was going on.
23:54
So it was just really, really encouraging to me and my family to see all those supporters behind us in this fight.
24:02
So if I were to ask you the question, what... stood out to you last night was there a moment or a couple of moments that that really stood out to you
24:14
um i would say definitely my dad i the way he took the stand and with confidence and the way he presented himself i've just always admired that so again i just continue to admire my father and the way uh he chooses his words and takes his fights
22:32
So before we get into the particulars of your case, just tell us what happened.
22:39
Yep.
22:39
So I applied early April for the job for firefighter EMT.
22:44
And during that time, it was just a requirement graduation from high school or equivalent GED.
22:51
Uh, we met that requirement when we went to go apply and we also submitted a state license EMT and other credentials that was, uh, for the job.
23:01
After closing date, we were contacted by the city.
23:05
and saying that our application was being withdrawn because we did not have an accredited high school diploma.
26:29
what can our viewers and listeners do to be uh to be helpful

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