OTTAWA — Tim Matthias will be the new Ottawa fire chief. Matthias, who has served as assistant fire chief since 2014, will succeed Jeff Carner, who will retire Friday after nearly 33 years of service. Matthias, who has worked in the fire service for 26 years in Lawrence, Horton and Ottawa; was notified of the promotion this afternoon. “I am truly honored and delighted to be selected as fire chief for the city of Ottawa,” Matthias said. “I have worked very hard throughout my career to make it to this position. I will continue to build on the solid foundation that Chief Carner has built through the years and guide the fire department into the future.” Matthias earned an associate’s degree in para-medicine from Johnson County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University. “The Ottawa Fire Department is one of the, if not the, finest departments in the state, and I am excited to continue the tradition of selecting a new fire chief from its ranks,” said city manager Richard Nienstedt. “The appointment of Tim Matthias to fire chief is great news for the City of Ottawa,” Carner said. “He is a good leader and a tremendous asset to this community. Ottawa has exciting challenges ahead, and Chief Matthias has the skills and vision to ensure citizens continue to receive the excellent service they expect and deserve.” A public reception for Carner will be 3-5 p.m. Friday at the fire station.
Tuesday, March 15, 4 p.m.
