Anthony Mejia sworn in as Lincoln fire chief; chief pledges training and safety priorities

Anthony Mejia was sworn in as the City of Lincoln’s fire chief during the Aug. 12 City Council meeting in a badge-pinning and oath-of-office ceremony.

Matt Alves, who had served as public safety chief, explained that the department had outgrown a combined public safety model and that Chief Mejia — who joined the city as deputy fire chief on Feb. 26, 2024 — had demonstrated the leadership, experience and credentials to lead the department full time. Alves recounted the department’s recent work on wildland fire training and credited Mejia’s leadership for improvements to training and the response to three major fires earlier in the season.

Chief Mejia, who has more than 24 years in fire service and holds a master’s degree in emergency services management, told the council he would prioritize firefighter safety, training and equipment and pledged that the department would be “there for you in your time of need.” He thanked colleagues, mentors, family members and his wife, Lacey, who pinned his badge during the ceremony.

Councilmembers thanked Alves for his interim leadership and welcomed Mejia. The council later recognized the administrative reorganization that created the standalone fire chief position and thanked staff for completing the transition.

Why it matters: The appointment creates a dedicated, full-time fire department leader, a step city managers said was necessary to sustain department growth, improve operational efficiency and ensure a leader is present during regular business hours to coordinate with city administration.

Next steps: City staff will effect the administrative employment changes and implement the reorganization agreed by council; Chief Mejia will continue department training and wildfire preparedness programs.