Names in the News: March 19, 2023

MARTIN DYER was sworn in as the new chief of the Worcester (MA) Fire Department (WFD) on March 16. He is a 19-year WFD veteran who had been serving as acting chief following the retirement of previous chief Michael Lavoie in 2021. Dyer joined the WFD in 2004, rising through the ranks to become a lieutenant and captain before becoming a deputy chief in 2017, a role he filled for four years. He has also served as a hazmat technician, dive rescue technician, and technology officer. As deputy chief, Dyer oversaw the WFD’s fleet of more than 70 vehicles, maintenance and management of its facilities, and all administrative functions.

KATHY BOSSMAN was named the first-ever female chief in the history of the Omaha (NE) Fire Department (OFD). Bossman is a 25-plus-year OFD member and was previously an assistant chief for the department from 2017 to 2022, leading the C shift and emergency medical services. She has also served the OFD as a battalion Chief from 2010 to 2017, a captain from 2004 to 2010, and a firefighter-paramedic from 1997-2004. She will take over the position from previous OFD chief Dan Olsen, whose final day will be March 24.

DAVID BOWEN was sworn in as the new chief of the Napoleon (OH) Fire Department (NFD) on March 7. He joined the NFD in July 2003 and rose through the ranks, eventually being promoted to lieutenant in 2009. He was appointed as a full-time firefighter/paramedic in 2015 and then promoted to captain in 2016. Since joining the NFD, Bowen has obtained certifications as a state of Ohio firefighter II, a nationally registered paramedic, a state-certified fire and EMS instructor, and multiple other specialized certifications. Bowen replaces previous NFD chief Clayton O’Brien, who became the new chief of the Oregon (OH) Fire Department.

MATT MATHISEN took over as the new chief of the North Routt (CO) Fire Protection District (NRFPD) on March 16. Mathisen is a 27-year fire service veteran who spent 24 years with Steamboat Springs (CO) Fire Rescue before retiring in 2019. He has served the NRFPD as a volunteer firefighter since 2015, joining the staff full time since his first retirement. He accepted the position of NRFPD assistant chief in 2019 and worked directly under former NRFPD Chief Mike Swinsick, who left the position in December 2022 and is whom Mathisen replaces.

ANDREW TOTH JR. was sworn in as the new chief of the Edison (NJ) Fire Department (EFD) on February 27. Toth Jr. is a 21-year EFD veteran who began his fire service career in 1994 as a volunteer. After working as a municipal employee, Toth Jr. became a sworn fire officer in 2003. He was promoted to captain in 2015 and to deputy chief in 2018. Toth replaces former EFD chief Brian Latham, who retired last year.