Former Lincoln Fire Chief Michael Merwick honored at Firefighter’s Reception Hall

A former Lincoln fire chief was honored today.

Two weeks ago, Lincoln mourned the loss of longtime community leader and former fire chief Michael Merwick.

On Sunday, his memory was honored and celebrated by hundreds at the Lincoln Firefighter’s Reception Hall.

The former chief served the Lincoln community from 1980 to 1999.

He passed away peacefully on December 30th. He was 76 years old.

People who worked closely with chief Merwick over the decades had nothing but good things to say about him.

“He was about the community, he was about the organization, he was about his family. And just really, a great guy,” said retired Lincoln Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Leo Benes.

During Merwick’s 46 years of service to the city of Lincoln, he also volunteered and was a board member with numerous organizations, including the salvation army and toys for tots.

His children say it was his love of life and humanity that they will never forget.

“it’s generosity and love. That will always be a part of our lives now. I think that he has instilled that into us and we will share it with our children,” said Merwick’s daughter, Molly Marshall.

“Grandpa was his number one title. He had a lot of titles, professionally, husband, father, brother, etc, but I think the one he held dearest to his heart was grandfather,” said Merwick’s son Joel.

Over the course of the two hour event celebrating the former fire chief’s life, many people gave emotional testimony on his behalf, often highlighting his generosity, love for the people of Lincoln and leadership.

“He was just really a great leader, and he epitomized what we need in society today. He set the community up for success and the success of the organization and to make the fire service what it is, very well respected. There’s just so many things that he brought to us that it’s going to really be missed,” said Benes.