Newberry Fire Department Promotes Three

NEWBERRY ‒ At a Special City Commission meeting on May 27, 2025, Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman announced three internal promotions within the city's fire department “The last promotions occurred in August 2023, but looking ahead, we anticipate multiple retirements, increased opportunities for career growth and leadership development,” Lyman said during the meeting. The newly announced promotions include the roles of Driver/Operator, Lieutenant and Deputy Fire Chief.

David Voigt: Driver/Operator

“The Driver/Operator drives the apparatus to and from emergency calls, operates the pump and manages all equipment on the apparatus,” said Lyman. Voigt joined Newberry Fire Rescue on Jan. 23, 2023, and began his fire service career in 2018 with Alachua County Fire Rescue. He is one of five paramedics currently employed by the City of Newberry. Voigt holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management from Santa Fe College and also serves as a Paramedic Instructor at the college.

Michael Malsom: Lieutenant

“The lieutenant serves as shift supervisor and truck boss. He oversees daily assignments and crew operations and manages emergency scenes and assumes initial command,” Lyman explained. Malsom began his fire service journey in 2000 as a volunteer with the Bell Fire Department after relocating to Gilchrist County. He joined Newberry Fire Rescue on Sept. 25, 2003, was promoted to Driver/Operator in April 2015, and officially stepped into the Lieutenant role in April 2025.

Kevin Farr: Deputy Fire Chief

“He is responsible for standardizing training across all three shifts, assists with fire department budget preparation, provides command and control at emergency scenes and oversees daily operations of the fire department,” said Lyman. Farr has been with the department since Oct. 1, 1997. Over the years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, earning promotions to Driver/Operator in 2000, Lieutenant in 2003, and Senior Lieutenant in 2015. Farr is also a graduate of Newberry High School, Class of 1996.

Each promotion announcement was met with applause from commissioners and attendees in the audience, recognizing the dedication and service of the department’s personnel.

In a closing remark, Interim City Manager Dallas Lee noted that Fire Chief Jason Lyman himself had also recently been promoted, further highlighting the department’s ongoing leadership transitions.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com