VIDEO: A former Lincoln fire chief was honored today. Two weeks ago, Lincoln mourned the loss of longtime community leader and former fire chief Michael Merwick. On Sunday, his memory was honored and celebrated by hundreds at the Lincoln Firefighter's Reception Hall. The former chief served the Lincoln community from 1980 to 1999. He passed away peacefully on December 30th. He was 76 years old. People who worked closely with chief Merwick over the decades had nothing but good things to say about him. "He was about the community, he was about the organization, he was about his family. And just really, a great guy," said retired Lincoln Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Leo Benes. During Merwick's 46 years of service to the city of Lincoln, he also volunteered and was a board member with numerous organizations, including the salvation army and toys for tots.