The Conover Fire and Rescue Department recently announced the promotion of Robert Martinson, Jr. to fire chief.

In a recent ceremony, Martinson was sworn in as fire chief by his sister, Kendra Lederer, who serves as Conover’s town clerk.

Martinson, a second generation firefighter, has 30 years of firefighting experience. Starting as a fireman, Martinson moved up the ranks in the fire service to lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and now chief.

“One of my goals is to increase the training within the department,” said Martinson. “An area I would like to see more training in relates to basic fire scene set up and safety.”

Martinson, self employed with Martinson Carpentry Services, lives in Conover with his wife, Amanda, and their four children — Nick, Elexius, Robert and Alex.

Away from the fire department, Martinson enjoys hunting and fishing.