Rick Sheehy

Rick Sheehy (born October 3, 1959) is an American politician who served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska, from his appointment in 2005 until his resignation in 2013. He is a member of the Republican Party and was the longest serving lieutenant governor in Nebraska history, with slightly over eight years of service.

Rick Sheehy
38th Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska
In office
January 24, 2005 – February 2, 2013
GovernorDave Heineman
Preceded byDave Heineman
Succeeded byLavon Heidemann
Personal details
Born (1959-10-03) October 3, 1959
Hastings, Nebraska
Political partyRepublican
ProfessionParamedic

Early life, education and career

Sheehy was born in Hastings, Nebraska and graduated from St. Cecilia High School. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and later received certification as a paramedic from Central Community College in Hastings. Sheehy worked for Rural Metro Ambulance for more than 20 years, starting as an emergency medical technician and becoming Rural/Metro's paramedic field supervisor. In 1987, he became the market general manager, a position he held until his appointment as lieutenant governor.

In 1994, Sheehy was elected to the Hastings City Council. He served on the council for six years, for four of which, as president. He then served as mayor of Hastings for four years.

Lieutenant governor

In 2005, governor Mike Johanns resigned to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush. His place was filled by lieutenant governor Dave Heineman, who appointed Sheehy to fill the vacancy as lieutenant governor. In 2006, Heineman and Sheehy were elected to their first full term in office and were re-elected in 2010.[1]

Sheehy is past Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association; he completed his term in July, 2012. He continued his work with the Association by serving on the executive committee. He also served on the Homeland Security Advisors Council for the National Governors Association. As lieutenant governor, Sheehy was Director of Nebraska's Homeland Security Department. He is a past board member of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, as well as a FEMA Disaster Response Team member.

He was awarded the "Distinguished Service to the States" award by the Council of State Governments for his efforts as an advocate for Nebraska, and his work on computerized health records and emergency preparedness.

Resignation

The Omaha World-Herald reported that Sheehy, who was then married, had been using his state-issued cell phone for years to make 2,000 late-night telephone calls to four different women.[2][3]

On February 2, 2013, governor Dave Heineman held a press conference at the state capitol building to announce that he had accepted Sheehy's resignation as lieutenant governor. No information was given as to the reason for Sheehy's resignation, and Heineman did not say whether he resigned voluntarily or was asked to resign. At the press conference Heineman said that "I trusted him and that trust was broken."[4] He was replaced by Lavon Heidemann.

Personal

Sheehy married Connie Sheehy in 1983. The couple had two children before divorcing in 2012.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Sheehy resigns over phone scandal". Reuters. 2013-02-02. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  2. | Feb 2, 2013 | Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy abruptly resigns | Alissa Skelton | The Associated Press |
  3. | Feb 2, 2013 | Nebraska Lt. Gov. Sheehy resigns from office | ALISSA SKELTON and GRANT SCHULTE | AP |
  4. "Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy resigns". Lincoln Journal Star. February 2, 2013.
  5. Hammel, Paul. "Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy's wife files for divorce". Omaha World-Herald. 2012-07-20. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
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