Lincoln Fire Department sees a changing of the guard
Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky retires; Aaron Ty Johnson appointed new Chief

 

[December 19, 2023] 

On Friday, December 15th, Lincoln Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky spent his last day with the City of Lincoln. Dunovsky had announced at an earlier date that after a life-long career in firefighting, and more than 25 years with the Lincoln Department, he was prepared to retire.

On Tuesday, December 12th, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch presented Dunovsky with a plaque of appreciation for his years of service on behalf of the city.

Then on Friday, December 15th there was a get together in Dunovsky’s honor at the Lincoln Police Department. It had been a busy day for the chief on his last one. A contained fire at the Guest House Coffee & pastries had got the ball rolling. The fire was contained and there was no significant damage.

Then, as was his habit whenever possible, Dunovsky attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Amigos World Mexican Restaurant on South Chicago Street.

After the ribbon cutting, he went to the police station for a lunch with fellow city employees and officials including Welch, Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Zoning Officer Wes Woodhall, City Treasurer Chuck Conzo, City Attorney John Hoblit, Administrative Assistant Ashely Metelko, the staff of the City Clerk’s Office, and Lincoln police officers and firefighters.

Also on hand for the lunch was former fire Chief Mark Miller who was Dunovsky’s immediate predecessor, and Assistant Fire Chief Arron Ty Johnson, who will be Dunovsky’s successor.

On Monday, December 18th at the regular meeting of the Lincoln City Council, Mayor Welch asked for “advice and consent” from the council on the appointment of Johnson as the new Lincoln Fire Chief. The council approved the appointment by unanimous vote.

As a result of Johnson’s promotion there were three additional advancements in the ranks of the fire department.

Captain Chris Harding was promoted to Assistant Chief.

Lieutenant Bret Tripplett was promoted to Captain.

Firefighter Shelby Boise was promoted to Lieutenant.

The firefighters were sworn into their new roles by City Attorney Hoblit.

The gallery of the council chambers was filled to capacity with families of the firefighters there to witness the changing of the guard.

[Nila Smith]