Columbus Fire Department announces retirement, promotion

Columbus Fire Department is announcing the retirement of a lieutenant with more than 30 years of experience and the promotion of a firefighter.

This week, the department announced that Lt. Russ Dixon was retiring after 34 years. He joined the department in 1987. He held ranks including sergeant, lieutenant, captain and battalion chief during his time and is a state certified paramedic and hazardous material technician. His last day was Monday.

Firefighter Dan Smith has been promoted to lieutenant. He has served for 12 years with the department.

He is certified as a paramedic, confined space rescue technician, hazardous materials technician, rope rescue technician, swift water rescue technician and vehicle and machinery rescue technician.

Smith is also a state certified fire instructor and fire investigator. Smith has been assigned to Battalion A at Fire Station # 1.