Willie Leming has stepped down as Lincoln's volunteer fire chief, but he is not stepping away from the fire department.
"I'm going to try to stick around another 10 to 15 years. That's my plans right now," said Leming, who is 57 years old and has served as a volunteer firefighter since he was 18. He's been fire chief for the past 18 years.
Leming recently was recognized for his years of service to Lincoln Fire Department and Lincoln Rural Fire Association and was presented with a plaque and his fire helmet during an informal ceremony at the fire station.
Traditionally, a firefighter is awarded his fire helmet when he retires. Leming said he requested his helmet for one main reason.
"I told them I wanted my helmet because I'm going to be buried in it," he said.
Lincoln's full-time fire administrator, Jay Norton, retired in December. The decision was made last year to hire someone to fill both roles, fire administrator and fire chief.