Dixon fire chief retires

DIXON – Fire Chief Tim Shipman retired Monday, but fellow city officials were certain of one thing: the culture he created at the department will be long lasting.

Shipman, who became chief in 2008 and served at the Dixon Fire Department for 26 years, will become the city’s new building official next month.

He thanked his family and his colleagues at a recognition ceremony Monday in jam-packed council chambers before passing the torch to Capt. Ryan Buskohl, who was also sworn in as the new chief.

“I can’t be more proud of our department; they are without a doubt the best,” Shipman said.

Buskohl said though Shipman is retiring, the community will see evidence of him for years to come including his involvement with bringing together the Public Safety Building as well as building a culture of unwavering service at the highest level.

“For him, it wasn’t about being in charge but taking care of those in his charge,” City Manager Danny Langloss said.

Shipman started as a volunteer firefighter in Polo for 5 years before he joined the department in 1993, was promoted to lieutenant in 2005 and was appointed chief in 2008.

Fire Lt. Aaron Brown, who’s also the president of the Local 1943 firefighters union, said Shipman was a “hard nose-to-the-grindstone fireman” who could be counted on without hesitation.

“Chief, you were always there, and we were always behind you,” he said.

Buskohl joined the department in 2005 after working as a paramedic with CGH Emergency Medical Services and a volunteer with the Polo Fire Department. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2011 and captain in 2013.

Shipman described him as always being an integral part of the department.

“He’s just always done a great job,” he said.

Also Monday, Lt. Brian Strock was promoted to captain and firefighter Sean Wagner was promoted to lieutenant.

The retirement and promotions were part of a string of recent changes; in June, former Capt. Dave Lohse replaced Deputy Chief Mark Callison, who retired after 23 years at the department.

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

Next meeting

The City Council next meets at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at City Hall, 121 W. Second St.

Go to discoverdixon.org or call City Hall at 815-288-1485 for an agenda or more information.