Assistant Chief of Operations, Richard Furasek

Rich currently serves and the assistant chief of operations and EMS for Lincoln Fire Rescue. His career with the department began as a firefighter in 1975. Rich has served in the capacity as a firefighter, Captain, deputy chief of suppression, and now as assistant chief. He is responsible for six deputy chiefs of suppression who coordinate the everyday operations of Lincoln Fire Rescue. Rich also is responsible for the EMS division, both operational and administrative functions. He also works closely with Lincoln Fire Rescue's oversight agency, EMS Inc., 911 Dispatch, and other public and private agencies and entities. Assistant Chief Furasek has oversight responsibilities of numerous fire department committees as well as is the Lincoln Fire Rescue liaison with the Police and Fire Chaplaincy Corp.

Rich graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska. He also completed an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Southeast Community College. Rich also was the first Lincoln Fire Rescue Chief to complete the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Rich has been involved with numerous committees and organizations. He has been both President and Board Member of the Meadowlane Area Residents Association. He has been the Neighborhood Watch coordinator in the area in which he lives. Rich is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has coached basketball for the YMCA and St. John's Catholic school. Rich is also very active in St. John's Catholic Church as school board member, lector, member of the church safety committee, and booster club. He spends family time with his wife and three children, their spouses, and one grandchild.