Omaha’s assistant fire chief to lead Red Oak department

RED OAK — An assistant chief with the Omaha Fire Department will be taking over as Red Oak’s new fire chief.

Steven Ausdemore replaces Rick Askey, who resigned after a 30-plus-year career in November, 2011. His resignation was effective Jan. 29.

“Steve was our first choice and pailed us for the others. He’s a good fit for the city of Red Oak,” City Administrator Brad Wright said when Ausdemore was introduced at last week’s City Council meeting. “He is far more credentialed and experienced than we could have hoped for.”

The Council voted 4-0 to hire Ausdemore at a salary of $52,500.

Interim Fire Chief Kevin Walford will continue to serve in that capacity until Ausdemore starts.