The Kewaunee Fire Department looking to replace 77 years of experience and leadership in the coming months. Fire Chief Greg Hlinak and Assistant Fire Chief Paul Nimmer will be retiring in the next two months. After 44 years with the city, Hlinak will be retiring on April 1st, the anniversary date of his hiring by the Kewaunee Police Department. He says it was a difficult decision, but one that he and Nimmer have been discussing for some time.
Nimmer served for 33 years and will be officially retiring next month. Hlinak moved up the ranks in the department as a training officer and fire inspector before becoming fire chief. He says he will miss many parts of the job, but not the technology. Staying in Kewaunee after retirement, Hlinak shares his future plans.
Hlinak was honored as the state’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year in 2016, after being nominated by Nimmer. Kewaunee City Council will now look to the Police and Fire Commission to appoint a new fire chief to start in April.
(photo of Fire Chief Hlinak taken at 2016 event)
