LatestA 22-year-old Nebraska volunteer firefighter and state EMT, Andrew Coates, was rejected by the Fremont Fire Department because his high school diploma came from homeschooling, which Nebraska treats as unaccredited. The city had initially required a high school diploma and later specified accreditation; Coates drew public support, appealed to the Civil Service Commission—which cannot overturn city policy—and he hopes another department will hire him recognizing his qualifications.Sep 21, 2026