Council recognizes fire personnel

DIXON – The City Council recognized several members of the Dixon Fire Department Monday ranging from a retirement after more than 20 years of service to a new addition to the team.

Deputy fire Chief Mark Callison’s last day on the job was Monday after around 23 years at the department, and he was the first deputy chief since 1980.

He joined the department in 1996, was promoted to lieutenant in 2004 followed by captain in 2005 and deputy chief in 2013.

Fire Chief Tim Shipman said he’s been a wonderful asset to the department and thanked him for everything he’s done for the city.

Firefighter Aaron Brown, who was promoted to lieutenant Monday and is also the president of the Local 1943 firefighters union, said it was an honor to work with Callison.

“You always felt a little more safe when he was in the front seat of that engine,” Brown said.

Callison, accompanied by his family, thanked everyone for their support during his tenure in fire service, which spans nearly 30 years.

“You mean the world to me,” he said.

Capt. Dave Lohse was promoted to deputy chief to replace Callison and also recognized supporters and mentors.

“We have one heck of a good department here in Dixon,” Lohse said.

Lohse was hired at the department as a firefighter and paramedic in 1998, was promoted to lieutenant in 2008 and captain a year later.

Lt. Jesse Arjes, who joined the department in 2008 and became a lieutenant in 2016, was promoted to captain.

A new addition to the department was firefighter/paramedic Brandon Boettcher, who started work Monday.

Council chambers were filled with friends, families and fire colleagues, and the council congratulated the group on their career accomplishments.