Monday, May 11, 1987 the Longmont Times Call:
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman will leave the city's service Friday. ...."I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's service to city spans four-decade period.
By Eric Parker Times Call staff writer
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman, whose career spanned four decades with the Longmont fire bureau, will retire from city service Friday, leaving behind the memories of blazes he once battled, the short-sheet and salt-in-the- bed firehouse pranks of his earlier years and the camaraderie he developed with his co-workers.
Neiman 51, has served as head of the fire bureau since October 1966, when he was promoted from the rank of captain. He was named to the position of acting public safety director Dec. 2, 1986, by former city manager Al Sweney. Neiman filled the position vacated by Ed Camp, who was elected Adams county sheriff last November. Ironically, Neiman will rejoin his old boss, Camp in Adams county as a liaison and training expert who will help to coordinate functions of that county's fire agencies and sheriff's department. "it's not going to be easy," said Neiman in an interview Friday. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's first brush with firefighting came in the 1950s, when a chief pulled him and several students off the street and asked them to man a hose to squelch a main street blaze. That experience lit a different kind of fire in Neiman's mind. He found firefighting exciting. "I love to fight a fire. It's a challenge," said Neiman. "I can't go to a fire and not want to get in their and do something." Neiman joined the fire department in 1959, unhappy with the inconsistent paycheck he was taking home as a carpenter. He took a civil service test and had the option of joining the fire or police Departments upon passing the exam.
He chose the fire service because he loved the action and because "I didn't have the temperament to be a cop." Once, while fighting a fire at a roller skating rink (now main Street lanes), engine parts shot out from underneath his fire Truck, sending oil spewing to the street. And there are the tragic stories. In the early 1960's Neiman and another firefighter responded to the Fatal scene of a crop dusting plane crash near the intersection of Hygiene road and Colorado highway 66. Neiman knew the victim, a Friend and grade-school classmate, and he was the first on the Scene. "I knew who was in there. That was pretty tough," Neiman recalled. Neiman is leaving the Longmont fire bureau because it's stable, he Said. From a force of nine when he first joined, the bureau now has 43 uniformed firefighters and five paid civilians. The agency has Gone from a time when "we used to just sit around the street all Day and wait for fire calls," to one that is constantly on the Move, training in the handling of hazardous materials, updating Equipment, inspecting buildings for safety and fighting fires. "I'm really proud of the fact that I was able to be a part of the Organization as it grew. We've had very dedicated people," Neiman Said. END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday September 7, 1996 (front page headline with photo) City's 'Mr. Fire' dies Photo caption = Bob Neiman was a Longmont native who joined the fire department in 1960. As fire chief from 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from one small station to a modernized three-station operation.
By Jill Tucker The Daily Times Call Longmont -
As Longmont's fire Chief for two decades, Bob Neiman saved many lives. But with his death Friday at age 61 following a two-year fight with cancer, what was even more apparent among friends and colleagues were the lives he touched. "I have a lot of good memories of him; we fought a few fires together." Said Rich Hayes, a retired fire department captain who worked with Neiman for 20 years. "He knew alot of people, and I think he had a lot of an impact on the city." Neiman was a Longmont native who graduated from Longmont High School and began working as a firefighter in 1960. Within five years, he was promoted to chief. "He was able to come up from a rookie fireman to become chief and that's rare," said Al Sweney, a former mayor who was city manager during Neiman's tenure. "He was Mr. Fire Longmont. He played a major role." From 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from the small station at Fourth Avenue and Coff- (See Neiman/A8) NEIMAN: Lifetime of service to Longmont Continued from page A1) Man street to a modernized three-station operation. :He was always a very diligent member of the department." Said Daily Times-Call Publisher Ed Lehman. "He really struggled to bring the department along into a more modern age." But Neiman's service to the city was not just a career, said his wife, Linda Neiman. "He was born and raised here, so for him it wasn't just a job but a community experience." She said. Those who worked for Neiman said he was diligent in fighting for budgets and was no pushover. "You always knew when you were in trouble," said Station 1 firefighter Lt. Stan Wagaman. "He would come up and call you mister. "We always had to make sure we had a fresh pot of coffee up front. We heard about it if it wasn't there." After his retirement from the city, Neiman went to work as the undersheriff for Adams County. "He was just a good friend, somebody I could count on." Said Ed Camp, who was the Adams County Sheriff over Neiman. "I always appreciated that about him." After retiring from his second career in law enforcement in 1994, Neiman began a career in real estate -- a profession cut short by cancer. "He was a very exceptional person," said his wife. "He was able to have two successful careers in his lifetime and was starting a third.: Neiman's community involvement didn't stop at the fire station. He coached Little League, was a member of the American Legion, a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and recently was inducted into the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Fighting fires, however, was Neimans passion. "I love to fight fire. It's a challenge," Neiman said during a 1987 interview just before he retired from his position as director of public safety. "Bob Neiman was certainly a dedicated public servant," said Mayor Leona Stoecker. The Longmont Fire Department will participate in the funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, including carrying the casket to the Mountain View Cemetery from First Christian Church. Linda Neiman said her husband never would have asked for a fire department service, but he secretly hoped for one. As it did when Neiman retired in 1987, the fire department will be giving him a prestigious send-off. "It's not going to be easy," Neiman said when he left the city nine years ago. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new." END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday, September 7, 1996 Page B5
Obituaries Robert Lee Neiman (photo) Robert Lee Neiman of Longmont died Friday, Sept. 6, 1996, at his residence. He was 61. A native to Longmont, Mr. Neiman graduated from Longmont High School. He earned his associate's degree from the Community College of Denver, graduating first in his class. He was also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Leadership Award in his class. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. After returning from the service, Mr. Neiman joined George Fox building homes in both Longmont and Aurora. In 1960, he joined the city's fire department as a firefighter. In January 1965, he was promoted to fire captain and later that same year was installed as fire chief, a position he held until 1986. In 1986, he took over a new position as director of public safety, which he held until his retirement in 1987. While with the fire department as chief, he purchased the first ladder truck for the department. When he started, the department had the original firehouse at Fourth Avenue and Coffman Street. He oversaw the construction of three new fire stations and the growth of the staff from 10 to 39 firefighters. He continually upgraded the department's equipment, training, education and safety procedures. In 1987, he joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department as a lieutenant. He held a number of positions while with the department, eventually serving as undersheriff from 1992 until his retirement in 1994. He secured his real estate license and worked for the Caldwell Banker Group as real estate associate since 1994. Me. Neiman was a member of the local American Legion, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Moose clubs. He was a board member of the t. Vrain Historical Society. He was active in the Fire Chiefs Association, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police and County Sheriffs of Colorado. Previously he was active as an instructor for the American Legion Hunters Education program. He coached his sons from Little League through the Legion Baseball program. An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and time with his boys and friends. He was recently inducted to the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Mr. Neiman was born in Longmont on June 7, 1935, to Charles "Hap" Neiman and Vera Alice Lockling Neiman. He married Linda Allen on Sept. 13, 1958, in Vancouver, Wash. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Neiman; and one sister, Hazel Quimby. Survivors include his wife of Longmont; two sons, Robert Clyde Neiman of Louisville and Ronald Lee Neiman of Longmont; one brother-in-law, Raymond Quimby of Tillamook, Ore.; one nephew, Craig Neiman and his wife, Cathy, of Longmont; and one grandson, Beau Jeffery Neiman of Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at first Christian Church with Gary Moore officiating. Internment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Neiman Memorial Fund, in care of Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont 80501. End
September 10, 1996 The Daily Times-Call Longmont Colorado. (Page 1 Photos: Caption- The American Flag is placed on the casket of ex-fire chief Robert Neiman, above, as it is loaded onto an (fire) engine. At top, firefighter Rusty Leneve sounds a bell sending companies back to quarters.)
Farewell to the Chief By Jill Tucker The Daily Times-Call Longmont -- It would be impossible to count the number of times Robert Neiman jumped on a waiting fire truck as the alarms called firefighters from their dinner or a deep sleep. Laying in a flag-draped casket in full dress uniform, Neiman this morning took his last ride on a fire truck. The longtime public servant and Longmont native died at his home Friday after a two-year bout with cancer. A silver fire bell symbolically rang the former fire chief last alarm as uniformed men and women lined the walk outside the First Christian Church at late morning while the casket was loaded onto the engine. Neimans two decades of service to the city were honored in a firefighter funeral today as hundreds followed Longmont's Engine No. 1 down main Street to Mountain View Cemetery. "In fire department funerals, we always try to have it dignified and meaningful, because you're honoring somebody who was willing to put the safety of others above his own safety," said Longmont Fire Chief Steve Trunck. "What you're doing is essentially honoring somebody who was willing to serve the community." Neiman's service to Longmont as a firefighter, fire chief and safety director were highlights of his 61 years of life cut short by cancer. Firefighters and friends, politicians and police officers honored Neiman's life as they spoke of the former fire chief's life and his dreams. "He was a champion many times over in his life," said former Adams County Sheriff Ed Camp, a former supervisor of Neiman. "Honest. Loyal. Integrity and team player. Those were the words I learned to associate with him." Camp described Neiman's (see Neiman/A10) (Neiman: continued from page A1)commitment to not just his own community, but to others as well. As undersheriff for Camp in Adams County from 1992 to 1994, Neiman met a Lithuanian national police officer, who described serving the former Soviet country without proper equipment. Neiman worked within his department to send scores of bullet- proof vests and other equipment to the police department on the other side of the world, Camp said. "We'll never know the lives that were saved for the love and compassion Bob had for the officers he didn't know," he added. Sgt. Dave Shipley of the Adams County Sheriff's Department described Neiman as a dreamer who accomplished two successful careers as a fire fighter and peace officer. "He embodied all the things you can say about a man and more," he said, adding that Neiman's nickname was the Skipper. "He saw this as his good and faithful service." Neiman joined the Longmont Fire Department in 1960 as a firefighter. Within five years, he was promoted to fire chief, a position he held for the next 21 years. During his tenure, Neiman watched a growing Longmont demand more from emergency services. During Neiman's career, the department grew from one station at the corner of Coffman Street and Fourth Avenue to three modernized fire stations throughout the city. A fourth has since been added. After his retirement in 1987, Neiman joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department and eventually served as undersheriff from 1992-1994. He initiated yet a third career in real estate, but that endeavor was cut short by Kidney cancer. Neiman's love of Longmont extended beyond his decades of public service. He was a member of the local American Legion Post and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He was also a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and a little league coach for his two sons, Ronald and Robert. Throughout the service today, uniformed police officers and firefighters wore black bands across their badges as they mourned a community leader and friend. A bagpipe's cry filled the air as the flag was presented to Neiman's wife Linda. "He served in this position for 20 years," said Trunck, who replaced Neiman as chief in 1887. "He accumulated a lot of good for the community."
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman will leave the city's service Friday. ...."I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's service to city spans four-decade period.
By Eric Parker Times Call staff writer
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman, whose career spanned four decades with the Longmont fire bureau, will retire from city service Friday, leaving behind the memories of blazes he once battled, the short-sheet and salt-in-the- bed firehouse pranks of his earlier years and the camaraderie he developed with his co-workers.
Neiman 51, has served as head of the fire bureau since October 1966, when he was promoted from the rank of captain. He was named to the position of acting public safety director Dec. 2, 1986, by former city manager Al Sweney. Neiman filled the position vacated by Ed Camp, who was elected Adams county sheriff last November. Ironically, Neiman will rejoin his old boss, Camp in Adams county as a liaison and training expert who will help to coordinate functions of that county's fire agencies and sheriff's department. "it's not going to be easy," said Neiman in an interview Friday. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's first brush with firefighting came in the 1950s, when a chief pulled him and several students off the street and asked them to man a hose to squelch a main street blaze. That experience lit a different kind of fire in Neiman's mind. He found firefighting exciting. "I love to fight a fire. It's a challenge," said Neiman. "I can't go to a fire and not want to get in their and do something." Neiman joined the fire department in 1959, unhappy with the inconsistent paycheck he was taking home as a carpenter. He took a civil service test and had the option of joining the fire or police Departments upon passing the exam.
He chose the fire service because he loved the action and because "I didn't have the temperament to be a cop." Once, while fighting a fire at a roller skating rink (now main Street lanes), engine parts shot out from underneath his fire Truck, sending oil spewing to the street. And there are the tragic stories. In the early 1960's Neiman and another firefighter responded to the Fatal scene of a crop dusting plane crash near the intersection of Hygiene road and Colorado highway 66. Neiman knew the victim, a Friend and grade-school classmate, and he was the first on the Scene. "I knew who was in there. That was pretty tough," Neiman recalled. Neiman is leaving the Longmont fire bureau because it's stable, he Said. From a force of nine when he first joined, the bureau now has 43 uniformed firefighters and five paid civilians. The agency has Gone from a time when "we used to just sit around the street all Day and wait for fire calls," to one that is constantly on the Move, training in the handling of hazardous materials, updating Equipment, inspecting buildings for safety and fighting fires. "I'm really proud of the fact that I was able to be a part of the Organization as it grew. We've had very dedicated people," Neiman Said. END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday September 7, 1996 (front page headline with photo) City's 'Mr. Fire' dies Photo caption = Bob Neiman was a Longmont native who joined the fire department in 1960. As fire chief from 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from one small station to a modernized three-station operation.
By Jill Tucker The Daily Times Call Longmont -
As Longmont's fire Chief for two decades, Bob Neiman saved many lives. But with his death Friday at age 61 following a two-year fight with cancer, what was even more apparent among friends and colleagues were the lives he touched. "I have a lot of good memories of him; we fought a few fires together." Said Rich Hayes, a retired fire department captain who worked with Neiman for 20 years. "He knew alot of people, and I think he had a lot of an impact on the city." Neiman was a Longmont native who graduated from Longmont High School and began working as a firefighter in 1960. Within five years, he was promoted to chief. "He was able to come up from a rookie fireman to become chief and that's rare," said Al Sweney, a former mayor who was city manager during Neiman's tenure. "He was Mr. Fire Longmont. He played a major role." From 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from the small station at Fourth Avenue and Coff- (See Neiman/A8) NEIMAN: Lifetime of service to Longmont Continued from page A1) Man street to a modernized three-station operation. :He was always a very diligent member of the department." Said Daily Times-Call Publisher Ed Lehman. "He really struggled to bring the department along into a more modern age." But Neiman's service to the city was not just a career, said his wife, Linda Neiman. "He was born and raised here, so for him it wasn't just a job but a community experience." She said. Those who worked for Neiman said he was diligent in fighting for budgets and was no pushover. "You always knew when you were in trouble," said Station 1 firefighter Lt. Stan Wagaman. "He would come up and call you mister. "We always had to make sure we had a fresh pot of coffee up front. We heard about it if it wasn't there." After his retirement from the city, Neiman went to work as the undersheriff for Adams County. "He was just a good friend, somebody I could count on." Said Ed Camp, who was the Adams County Sheriff over Neiman. "I always appreciated that about him." After retiring from his second career in law enforcement in 1994, Neiman began a career in real estate -- a profession cut short by cancer. "He was a very exceptional person," said his wife. "He was able to have two successful careers in his lifetime and was starting a third.: Neiman's community involvement didn't stop at the fire station. He coached Little League, was a member of the American Legion, a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and recently was inducted into the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Fighting fires, however, was Neimans passion. "I love to fight fire. It's a challenge," Neiman said during a 1987 interview just before he retired from his position as director of public safety. "Bob Neiman was certainly a dedicated public servant," said Mayor Leona Stoecker. The Longmont Fire Department will participate in the funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, including carrying the casket to the Mountain View Cemetery from First Christian Church. Linda Neiman said her husband never would have asked for a fire department service, but he secretly hoped for one. As it did when Neiman retired in 1987, the fire department will be giving him a prestigious send-off. "It's not going to be easy," Neiman said when he left the city nine years ago. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new." END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday, September 7, 1996 Page B5
Obituaries Robert Lee Neiman (photo) Robert Lee Neiman of Longmont died Friday, Sept. 6, 1996, at his residence. He was 61. A native to Longmont, Mr. Neiman graduated from Longmont High School. He earned his associate's degree from the Community College of Denver, graduating first in his class. He was also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Leadership Award in his class. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. After returning from the service, Mr. Neiman joined George Fox building homes in both Longmont and Aurora. In 1960, he joined the city's fire department as a firefighter. In January 1965, he was promoted to fire captain and later that same year was installed as fire chief, a position he held until 1986. In 1986, he took over a new position as director of public safety, which he held until his retirement in 1987. While with the fire department as chief, he purchased the first ladder truck for the department. When he started, the department had the original firehouse at Fourth Avenue and Coffman Street. He oversaw the construction of three new fire stations and the growth of the staff from 10 to 39 firefighters. He continually upgraded the department's equipment, training, education and safety procedures. In 1987, he joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department as a lieutenant. He held a number of positions while with the department, eventually serving as undersheriff from 1992 until his retirement in 1994. He secured his real estate license and worked for the Caldwell Banker Group as real estate associate since 1994. Me. Neiman was a member of the local American Legion, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Moose clubs. He was a board member of the t. Vrain Historical Society. He was active in the Fire Chiefs Association, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police and County Sheriffs of Colorado. Previously he was active as an instructor for the American Legion Hunters Education program. He coached his sons from Little League through the Legion Baseball program. An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and time with his boys and friends. He was recently inducted to the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Mr. Neiman was born in Longmont on June 7, 1935, to Charles "Hap" Neiman and Vera Alice Lockling Neiman. He married Linda Allen on Sept. 13, 1958, in Vancouver, Wash. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Neiman; and one sister, Hazel Quimby. Survivors include his wife of Longmont; two sons, Robert Clyde Neiman of Louisville and Ronald Lee Neiman of Longmont; one brother-in-law, Raymond Quimby of Tillamook, Ore.; one nephew, Craig Neiman and his wife, Cathy, of Longmont; and one grandson, Beau Jeffery Neiman of Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at first Christian Church with Gary Moore officiating. Internment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Neiman Memorial Fund, in care of Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont 80501. End
September 10, 1996 The Daily Times-Call Longmont Colorado. (Page 1 Photos: Caption- The American Flag is placed on the casket of ex-fire chief Robert Neiman, above, as it is loaded onto an (fire) engine. At top, firefighter Rusty Leneve sounds a bell sending companies back to quarters.)
Farewell to the Chief By Jill Tucker The Daily Times-Call Longmont -- It would be impossible to count the number of times Robert Neiman jumped on a waiting fire truck as the alarms called firefighters from their dinner or a deep sleep. Laying in a flag-draped casket in full dress uniform, Neiman this morning took his last ride on a fire truck. The longtime public servant and Longmont native died at his home Friday after a two-year bout with cancer. A silver fire bell symbolically rang the former fire chief last alarm as uniformed men and women lined the walk outside the First Christian Church at late morning while the casket was loaded onto the engine. Neimans two decades of service to the city were honored in a firefighter funeral today as hundreds followed Longmont's Engine No. 1 down main Street to Mountain View Cemetery. "In fire department funerals, we always try to have it dignified and meaningful, because you're honoring somebody who was willing to put the safety of others above his own safety," said Longmont Fire Chief Steve Trunck. "What you're doing is essentially honoring somebody who was willing to serve the community." Neiman's service to Longmont as a firefighter, fire chief and safety director were highlights of his 61 years of life cut short by cancer. Firefighters and friends, politicians and police officers honored Neiman's life as they spoke of the former fire chief's life and his dreams. "He was a champion many times over in his life," said former Adams County Sheriff Ed Camp, a former supervisor of Neiman. "Honest. Loyal. Integrity and team player. Those were the words I learned to associate with him." Camp described Neiman's (see Neiman/A10) (Neiman: continued from page A1)commitment to not just his own community, but to others as well. As undersheriff for Camp in Adams County from 1992 to 1994, Neiman met a Lithuanian national police officer, who described serving the former Soviet country without proper equipment. Neiman worked within his department to send scores of bullet- proof vests and other equipment to the police department on the other side of the world, Camp said. "We'll never know the lives that were saved for the love and compassion Bob had for the officers he didn't know," he added. Sgt. Dave Shipley of the Adams County Sheriff's Department described Neiman as a dreamer who accomplished two successful careers as a fire fighter and peace officer. "He embodied all the things you can say about a man and more," he said, adding that Neiman's nickname was the Skipper. "He saw this as his good and faithful service." Neiman joined the Longmont Fire Department in 1960 as a firefighter. Within five years, he was promoted to fire chief, a position he held for the next 21 years. During his tenure, Neiman watched a growing Longmont demand more from emergency services. During Neiman's career, the department grew from one station at the corner of Coffman Street and Fourth Avenue to three modernized fire stations throughout the city. A fourth has since been added. After his retirement in 1987, Neiman joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department and eventually served as undersheriff from 1992-1994. He initiated yet a third career in real estate, but that endeavor was cut short by Kidney cancer. Neiman's love of Longmont extended beyond his decades of public service. He was a member of the local American Legion Post and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He was also a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and a little league coach for his two sons, Ronald and Robert. Throughout the service today, uniformed police officers and firefighters wore black bands across their badges as they mourned a community leader and friend. A bagpipe's cry filled the air as the flag was presented to Neiman's wife Linda. "He served in this position for 20 years," said Trunck, who replaced Neiman as chief in 1887. "He accumulated a lot of good for the community."
Monday, May 11, 1987 the Longmont Times Call:
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman will leave the city's service Friday. ...."I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's service to city spans four-decade period.
By Eric Parker Times Call staff writer
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman, whose career spanned four decades with the Longmont fire bureau, will retire from city service Friday, leaving behind the memories of blazes he once battled, the short-sheet and salt-in-the- bed firehouse pranks of his earlier years and the camaraderie he developed with his co-workers.
Neiman 51, has served as head of the fire bureau since October 1966, when he was promoted from the rank of captain. He was named to the position of acting public safety director Dec. 2, 1986, by former city manager Al Sweney. Neiman filled the position vacated by Ed Camp, who was elected Adams county sheriff last November. Ironically, Neiman will rejoin his old boss, Camp in Adams county as a liaison and training expert who will help to coordinate functions of that county's fire agencies and sheriff's department. "it's not going to be easy," said Neiman in an interview Friday. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's first brush with firefighting came in the 1950s, when a chief pulled him and several students off the street and asked them to man a hose to squelch a main street blaze. That experience lit a different kind of fire in Neiman's mind. He found firefighting exciting. "I love to fight a fire. It's a challenge," said Neiman. "I can't go to a fire and not want to get in their and do something." Neiman joined the fire department in 1959, unhappy with the inconsistent paycheck he was taking home as a carpenter. He took a civil service test and had the option of joining the fire or police Departments upon passing the exam.
He chose the fire service because he loved the action and because "I didn't have the temperament to be a cop." Once, while fighting a fire at a roller skating rink (now main Street lanes), engine parts shot out from underneath his fire Truck, sending oil spewing to the street. And there are the tragic stories. In the early 1960's Neiman and another firefighter responded to the Fatal scene of a crop dusting plane crash near the intersection of Hygiene road and Colorado highway 66. Neiman knew the victim, a Friend and grade-school classmate, and he was the first on the Scene. "I knew who was in there. That was pretty tough," Neiman recalled. Neiman is leaving the Longmont fire bureau because it's stable, he Said. From a force of nine when he first joined, the bureau now has 43 uniformed firefighters and five paid civilians. The agency has Gone from a time when "we used to just sit around the street all Day and wait for fire calls," to one that is constantly on the Move, training in the handling of hazardous materials, updating Equipment, inspecting buildings for safety and fighting fires. "I'm really proud of the fact that I was able to be a part of the Organization as it grew. We've had very dedicated people," Neiman Said. END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday September 7, 1996 (front page headline with photo) City's 'Mr. Fire' dies Photo caption = Bob Neiman was a Longmont native who joined the fire department in 1960. As fire chief from 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from one small station to a modernized three-station operation.
By Jill Tucker The Daily Times Call Longmont -
As Longmont's fire Chief for two decades, Bob Neiman saved many lives. But with his death Friday at age 61 following a two-year fight with cancer, what was even more apparent among friends and colleagues were the lives he touched. "I have a lot of good memories of him; we fought a few fires together." Said Rich Hayes, a retired fire department captain who worked with Neiman for 20 years. "He knew alot of people, and I think he had a lot of an impact on the city." Neiman was a Longmont native who graduated from Longmont High School and began working as a firefighter in 1960. Within five years, he was promoted to chief. "He was able to come up from a rookie fireman to become chief and that's rare," said Al Sweney, a former mayor who was city manager during Neiman's tenure. "He was Mr. Fire Longmont. He played a major role." From 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from the small station at Fourth Avenue and Coff- (See Neiman/A8) NEIMAN: Lifetime of service to Longmont Continued from page A1) Man street to a modernized three-station operation. :He was always a very diligent member of the department." Said Daily Times-Call Publisher Ed Lehman. "He really struggled to bring the department along into a more modern age." But Neiman's service to the city was not just a career, said his wife, Linda Neiman. "He was born and raised here, so for him it wasn't just a job but a community experience." She said. Those who worked for Neiman said he was diligent in fighting for budgets and was no pushover. "You always knew when you were in trouble," said Station 1 firefighter Lt. Stan Wagaman. "He would come up and call you mister. "We always had to make sure we had a fresh pot of coffee up front. We heard about it if it wasn't there." After his retirement from the city, Neiman went to work as the undersheriff for Adams County. "He was just a good friend, somebody I could count on." Said Ed Camp, who was the Adams County Sheriff over Neiman. "I always appreciated that about him." After retiring from his second career in law enforcement in 1994, Neiman began a career in real estate -- a profession cut short by cancer. "He was a very exceptional person," said his wife. "He was able to have two successful careers in his lifetime and was starting a third.: Neiman's community involvement didn't stop at the fire station. He coached Little League, was a member of the American Legion, a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and recently was inducted into the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Fighting fires, however, was Neimans passion. "I love to fight fire. It's a challenge," Neiman said during a 1987 interview just before he retired from his position as director of public safety. "Bob Neiman was certainly a dedicated public servant," said Mayor Leona Stoecker. The Longmont Fire Department will participate in the funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, including carrying the casket to the Mountain View Cemetery from First Christian Church. Linda Neiman said her husband never would have asked for a fire department service, but he secretly hoped for one. As it did when Neiman retired in 1987, the fire department will be giving him a prestigious send-off. "It's not going to be easy," Neiman said when he left the city nine years ago. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new." END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday, September 7, 1996 Page B5
Obituaries Robert Lee Neiman (photo) Robert Lee Neiman of Longmont died Friday, Sept. 6, 1996, at his residence. He was 61. A native to Longmont, Mr. Neiman graduated from Longmont High School. He earned his associate's degree from the Community College of Denver, graduating first in his class. He was also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Leadership Award in his class. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. After returning from the service, Mr. Neiman joined George Fox building homes in both Longmont and Aurora. In 1960, he joined the city's fire department as a firefighter. In January 1965, he was promoted to fire captain and later that same year was installed as fire chief, a position he held until 1986. In 1986, he took over a new position as director of public safety, which he held until his retirement in 1987. While with the fire department as chief, he purchased the first ladder truck for the department. When he started, the department had the original firehouse at Fourth Avenue and Coffman Street. He oversaw the construction of three new fire stations and the growth of the staff from 10 to 39 firefighters. He continually upgraded the department's equipment, training, education and safety procedures. In 1987, he joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department as a lieutenant. He held a number of positions while with the department, eventually serving as undersheriff from 1992 until his retirement in 1994. He secured his real estate license and worked for the Caldwell Banker Group as real estate associate since 1994. Me. Neiman was a member of the local American Legion, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Moose clubs. He was a board member of the t. Vrain Historical Society. He was active in the Fire Chiefs Association, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police and County Sheriffs of Colorado. Previously he was active as an instructor for the American Legion Hunters Education program. He coached his sons from Little League through the Legion Baseball program. An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and time with his boys and friends. He was recently inducted to the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Mr. Neiman was born in Longmont on June 7, 1935, to Charles "Hap" Neiman and Vera Alice Lockling Neiman. He married Linda Allen on Sept. 13, 1958, in Vancouver, Wash. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Neiman; and one sister, Hazel Quimby. Survivors include his wife of Longmont; two sons, Robert Clyde Neiman of Louisville and Ronald Lee Neiman of Longmont; one brother-in-law, Raymond Quimby of Tillamook, Ore.; one nephew, Craig Neiman and his wife, Cathy, of Longmont; and one grandson, Beau Jeffery Neiman of Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at first Christian Church with Gary Moore officiating. Internment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Neiman Memorial Fund, in care of Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont 80501. End
September 10, 1996 The Daily Times-Call Longmont Colorado. (Page 1 Photos: Caption- The American Flag is placed on the casket of ex-fire chief Robert Neiman, above, as it is loaded onto an (fire) engine. At top, firefighter Rusty Leneve sounds a bell sending companies back to quarters.)
Farewell to the Chief By Jill Tucker The Daily Times-Call Longmont -- It would be impossible to count the number of times Robert Neiman jumped on a waiting fire truck as the alarms called firefighters from their dinner or a deep sleep. Laying in a flag-draped casket in full dress uniform, Neiman this morning took his last ride on a fire truck. The longtime public servant and Longmont native died at his home Friday after a two-year bout with cancer. A silver fire bell symbolically rang the former fire chief last alarm as uniformed men and women lined the walk outside the First Christian Church at late morning while the casket was loaded onto the engine. Neimans two decades of service to the city were honored in a firefighter funeral today as hundreds followed Longmont's Engine No. 1 down main Street to Mountain View Cemetery. "In fire department funerals, we always try to have it dignified and meaningful, because you're honoring somebody who was willing to put the safety of others above his own safety," said Longmont Fire Chief Steve Trunck. "What you're doing is essentially honoring somebody who was willing to serve the community." Neiman's service to Longmont as a firefighter, fire chief and safety director were highlights of his 61 years of life cut short by cancer. Firefighters and friends, politicians and police officers honored Neiman's life as they spoke of the former fire chief's life and his dreams. "He was a champion many times over in his life," said former Adams County Sheriff Ed Camp, a former supervisor of Neiman. "Honest. Loyal. Integrity and team player. Those were the words I learned to associate with him." Camp described Neiman's (see Neiman/A10) (Neiman: continued from page A1)commitment to not just his own community, but to others as well. As undersheriff for Camp in Adams County from 1992 to 1994, Neiman met a Lithuanian national police officer, who described serving the former Soviet country without proper equipment. Neiman worked within his department to send scores of bullet- proof vests and other equipment to the police department on the other side of the world, Camp said. "We'll never know the lives that were saved for the love and compassion Bob had for the officers he didn't know," he added. Sgt. Dave Shipley of the Adams County Sheriff's Department described Neiman as a dreamer who accomplished two successful careers as a fire fighter and peace officer. "He embodied all the things you can say about a man and more," he said, adding that Neiman's nickname was the Skipper. "He saw this as his good and faithful service." Neiman joined the Longmont Fire Department in 1960 as a firefighter. Within five years, he was promoted to fire chief, a position he held for the next 21 years. During his tenure, Neiman watched a growing Longmont demand more from emergency services. During Neiman's career, the department grew from one station at the corner of Coffman Street and Fourth Avenue to three modernized fire stations throughout the city. A fourth has since been added. After his retirement in 1987, Neiman joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department and eventually served as undersheriff from 1992-1994. He initiated yet a third career in real estate, but that endeavor was cut short by Kidney cancer. Neiman's love of Longmont extended beyond his decades of public service. He was a member of the local American Legion Post and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He was also a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and a little league coach for his two sons, Ronald and Robert. Throughout the service today, uniformed police officers and firefighters wore black bands across their badges as they mourned a community leader and friend. A bagpipe's cry filled the air as the flag was presented to Neiman's wife Linda. "He served in this position for 20 years," said Trunck, who replaced Neiman as chief in 1887. "He accumulated a lot of good for the community."
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman will leave the city's service Friday. ...."I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's service to city spans four-decade period.
By Eric Parker Times Call staff writer
Acting public safety director Bob Neiman, whose career spanned four decades with the Longmont fire bureau, will retire from city service Friday, leaving behind the memories of blazes he once battled, the short-sheet and salt-in-the- bed firehouse pranks of his earlier years and the camaraderie he developed with his co-workers.
Neiman 51, has served as head of the fire bureau since October 1966, when he was promoted from the rank of captain. He was named to the position of acting public safety director Dec. 2, 1986, by former city manager Al Sweney. Neiman filled the position vacated by Ed Camp, who was elected Adams county sheriff last November. Ironically, Neiman will rejoin his old boss, Camp in Adams county as a liaison and training expert who will help to coordinate functions of that county's fire agencies and sheriff's department. "it's not going to be easy," said Neiman in an interview Friday. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new."
Neiman's first brush with firefighting came in the 1950s, when a chief pulled him and several students off the street and asked them to man a hose to squelch a main street blaze. That experience lit a different kind of fire in Neiman's mind. He found firefighting exciting. "I love to fight a fire. It's a challenge," said Neiman. "I can't go to a fire and not want to get in their and do something." Neiman joined the fire department in 1959, unhappy with the inconsistent paycheck he was taking home as a carpenter. He took a civil service test and had the option of joining the fire or police Departments upon passing the exam.
He chose the fire service because he loved the action and because "I didn't have the temperament to be a cop." Once, while fighting a fire at a roller skating rink (now main Street lanes), engine parts shot out from underneath his fire Truck, sending oil spewing to the street. And there are the tragic stories. In the early 1960's Neiman and another firefighter responded to the Fatal scene of a crop dusting plane crash near the intersection of Hygiene road and Colorado highway 66. Neiman knew the victim, a Friend and grade-school classmate, and he was the first on the Scene. "I knew who was in there. That was pretty tough," Neiman recalled. Neiman is leaving the Longmont fire bureau because it's stable, he Said. From a force of nine when he first joined, the bureau now has 43 uniformed firefighters and five paid civilians. The agency has Gone from a time when "we used to just sit around the street all Day and wait for fire calls," to one that is constantly on the Move, training in the handling of hazardous materials, updating Equipment, inspecting buildings for safety and fighting fires. "I'm really proud of the fact that I was able to be a part of the Organization as it grew. We've had very dedicated people," Neiman Said. END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday September 7, 1996 (front page headline with photo) City's 'Mr. Fire' dies Photo caption = Bob Neiman was a Longmont native who joined the fire department in 1960. As fire chief from 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from one small station to a modernized three-station operation.
By Jill Tucker The Daily Times Call Longmont -
As Longmont's fire Chief for two decades, Bob Neiman saved many lives. But with his death Friday at age 61 following a two-year fight with cancer, what was even more apparent among friends and colleagues were the lives he touched. "I have a lot of good memories of him; we fought a few fires together." Said Rich Hayes, a retired fire department captain who worked with Neiman for 20 years. "He knew alot of people, and I think he had a lot of an impact on the city." Neiman was a Longmont native who graduated from Longmont High School and began working as a firefighter in 1960. Within five years, he was promoted to chief. "He was able to come up from a rookie fireman to become chief and that's rare," said Al Sweney, a former mayor who was city manager during Neiman's tenure. "He was Mr. Fire Longmont. He played a major role." From 1965 to 1986, Neiman saw the department grow from the small station at Fourth Avenue and Coff- (See Neiman/A8) NEIMAN: Lifetime of service to Longmont Continued from page A1) Man street to a modernized three-station operation. :He was always a very diligent member of the department." Said Daily Times-Call Publisher Ed Lehman. "He really struggled to bring the department along into a more modern age." But Neiman's service to the city was not just a career, said his wife, Linda Neiman. "He was born and raised here, so for him it wasn't just a job but a community experience." She said. Those who worked for Neiman said he was diligent in fighting for budgets and was no pushover. "You always knew when you were in trouble," said Station 1 firefighter Lt. Stan Wagaman. "He would come up and call you mister. "We always had to make sure we had a fresh pot of coffee up front. We heard about it if it wasn't there." After his retirement from the city, Neiman went to work as the undersheriff for Adams County. "He was just a good friend, somebody I could count on." Said Ed Camp, who was the Adams County Sheriff over Neiman. "I always appreciated that about him." After retiring from his second career in law enforcement in 1994, Neiman began a career in real estate -- a profession cut short by cancer. "He was a very exceptional person," said his wife. "He was able to have two successful careers in his lifetime and was starting a third.: Neiman's community involvement didn't stop at the fire station. He coached Little League, was a member of the American Legion, a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and recently was inducted into the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Fighting fires, however, was Neimans passion. "I love to fight fire. It's a challenge," Neiman said during a 1987 interview just before he retired from his position as director of public safety. "Bob Neiman was certainly a dedicated public servant," said Mayor Leona Stoecker. The Longmont Fire Department will participate in the funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, including carrying the casket to the Mountain View Cemetery from First Christian Church. Linda Neiman said her husband never would have asked for a fire department service, but he secretly hoped for one. As it did when Neiman retired in 1987, the fire department will be giving him a prestigious send-off. "It's not going to be easy," Neiman said when he left the city nine years ago. "I have many ties and good memories here, but it's time to try something new." END
The Longmont Daily Times Call Saturday, September 7, 1996 Page B5
Obituaries Robert Lee Neiman (photo) Robert Lee Neiman of Longmont died Friday, Sept. 6, 1996, at his residence. He was 61. A native to Longmont, Mr. Neiman graduated from Longmont High School. He earned his associate's degree from the Community College of Denver, graduating first in his class. He was also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Leadership Award in his class. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. After returning from the service, Mr. Neiman joined George Fox building homes in both Longmont and Aurora. In 1960, he joined the city's fire department as a firefighter. In January 1965, he was promoted to fire captain and later that same year was installed as fire chief, a position he held until 1986. In 1986, he took over a new position as director of public safety, which he held until his retirement in 1987. While with the fire department as chief, he purchased the first ladder truck for the department. When he started, the department had the original firehouse at Fourth Avenue and Coffman Street. He oversaw the construction of three new fire stations and the growth of the staff from 10 to 39 firefighters. He continually upgraded the department's equipment, training, education and safety procedures. In 1987, he joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department as a lieutenant. He held a number of positions while with the department, eventually serving as undersheriff from 1992 until his retirement in 1994. He secured his real estate license and worked for the Caldwell Banker Group as real estate associate since 1994. Me. Neiman was a member of the local American Legion, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Moose clubs. He was a board member of the t. Vrain Historical Society. He was active in the Fire Chiefs Association, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police and County Sheriffs of Colorado. Previously he was active as an instructor for the American Legion Hunters Education program. He coached his sons from Little League through the Legion Baseball program. An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and time with his boys and friends. He was recently inducted to the Longmont Bowlers Hall of Fame. Mr. Neiman was born in Longmont on June 7, 1935, to Charles "Hap" Neiman and Vera Alice Lockling Neiman. He married Linda Allen on Sept. 13, 1958, in Vancouver, Wash. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Neiman; and one sister, Hazel Quimby. Survivors include his wife of Longmont; two sons, Robert Clyde Neiman of Louisville and Ronald Lee Neiman of Longmont; one brother-in-law, Raymond Quimby of Tillamook, Ore.; one nephew, Craig Neiman and his wife, Cathy, of Longmont; and one grandson, Beau Jeffery Neiman of Lafayette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at first Christian Church with Gary Moore officiating. Internment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Neiman Memorial Fund, in care of Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont 80501. End
September 10, 1996 The Daily Times-Call Longmont Colorado. (Page 1 Photos: Caption- The American Flag is placed on the casket of ex-fire chief Robert Neiman, above, as it is loaded onto an (fire) engine. At top, firefighter Rusty Leneve sounds a bell sending companies back to quarters.)
Farewell to the Chief By Jill Tucker The Daily Times-Call Longmont -- It would be impossible to count the number of times Robert Neiman jumped on a waiting fire truck as the alarms called firefighters from their dinner or a deep sleep. Laying in a flag-draped casket in full dress uniform, Neiman this morning took his last ride on a fire truck. The longtime public servant and Longmont native died at his home Friday after a two-year bout with cancer. A silver fire bell symbolically rang the former fire chief last alarm as uniformed men and women lined the walk outside the First Christian Church at late morning while the casket was loaded onto the engine. Neimans two decades of service to the city were honored in a firefighter funeral today as hundreds followed Longmont's Engine No. 1 down main Street to Mountain View Cemetery. "In fire department funerals, we always try to have it dignified and meaningful, because you're honoring somebody who was willing to put the safety of others above his own safety," said Longmont Fire Chief Steve Trunck. "What you're doing is essentially honoring somebody who was willing to serve the community." Neiman's service to Longmont as a firefighter, fire chief and safety director were highlights of his 61 years of life cut short by cancer. Firefighters and friends, politicians and police officers honored Neiman's life as they spoke of the former fire chief's life and his dreams. "He was a champion many times over in his life," said former Adams County Sheriff Ed Camp, a former supervisor of Neiman. "Honest. Loyal. Integrity and team player. Those were the words I learned to associate with him." Camp described Neiman's (see Neiman/A10) (Neiman: continued from page A1)commitment to not just his own community, but to others as well. As undersheriff for Camp in Adams County from 1992 to 1994, Neiman met a Lithuanian national police officer, who described serving the former Soviet country without proper equipment. Neiman worked within his department to send scores of bullet- proof vests and other equipment to the police department on the other side of the world, Camp said. "We'll never know the lives that were saved for the love and compassion Bob had for the officers he didn't know," he added. Sgt. Dave Shipley of the Adams County Sheriff's Department described Neiman as a dreamer who accomplished two successful careers as a fire fighter and peace officer. "He embodied all the things you can say about a man and more," he said, adding that Neiman's nickname was the Skipper. "He saw this as his good and faithful service." Neiman joined the Longmont Fire Department in 1960 as a firefighter. Within five years, he was promoted to fire chief, a position he held for the next 21 years. During his tenure, Neiman watched a growing Longmont demand more from emergency services. During Neiman's career, the department grew from one station at the corner of Coffman Street and Fourth Avenue to three modernized fire stations throughout the city. A fourth has since been added. After his retirement in 1987, Neiman joined the Adams County Sheriff's Department and eventually served as undersheriff from 1992-1994. He initiated yet a third career in real estate, but that endeavor was cut short by Kidney cancer. Neiman's love of Longmont extended beyond his decades of public service. He was a member of the local American Legion Post and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He was also a board member of the St. Vrain Historical Society and a little league coach for his two sons, Ronald and Robert. Throughout the service today, uniformed police officers and firefighters wore black bands across their badges as they mourned a community leader and friend. A bagpipe's cry filled the air as the flag was presented to Neiman's wife Linda. "He served in this position for 20 years," said Trunck, who replaced Neiman as chief in 1887. "He accumulated a lot of good for the community."
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