Fire Captain Ryan Buskohl named next Dixon Fire Chief

March 29, 2019
Fire Captain Ryan Buskohl named next Dixon Fire Chief

Dixon Fire Captain Ryan Buskohl will be appointed to serve as the next Dixon Fire Chief. Buskohl, 40, is a life-long resident of the Sauk Valley area and a 14 year veteran of the Dixon Fire Department. Buskohl was selected following an extensive process administered by an advisory committee. The committee consisted of City Councilmen Mike Venier and Dennis Considine, Assistant City Manager Matt Heckman, Finance Director / HR Becky Fredericks, Fire Chief Tim Shipman, Firefighter Aaron Brown, Division Chief Matt Knott of the Rockford Fire Department, and City Manager Danny Langloss. The committee was created to assist City Manager Danny Langloss in providing an independent, merit-based process. Prior to the interviews, candidates were required to submit a detailed research paper on a specific fire department initiative.

Buskohl joined the Dixon Fire Department in 2005 after working as a paramedic with CGH Emergency Medical Services and a volunteer with the Polo Fire Department. Buskohl quickly moved his way up the ranks and was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 2011. Buskohl served in that leadership position for two years and was then promoted to Fire Captain in September of 2013. Buskohl is an adjunct instructor and curriculum coordinator of fire science at Sauk Valley Community College. Buskohl is also a board member of the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Development Program.

City Manager Danny Langloss said, “We had two highly qualified applicants for this position who have dedicated their life to serve Dixon. Both are incredibly accomplished in their field and are great leaders. I would like to congratulate both men on doing a great job throughout this process.”

Buskohl will replace Chief Tim Shipman upon his retirement in late July or early August. Langloss said, “With Chief Shipman and Deputy Chief Callison announcing their retirements, we felt it was important to select our next fire chief and give him the opportunity to work with Shipman and Callison over the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.” Buskohl will retain his duties as a Fire Captain during the transition.