NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska community provided a weekend sendoff to one of its own, bidding farewell to Norfolk Public Safety Director Scott Cordes as he heads to Lincoln to become the state's new fire marshal.

Friends and family of Cordes gathered in Norfolk on Saturday, leaving the former Norfolk fire chief with good wishes. 

Cordes is replacing Shane Hunter, who stepped down due to personal health issues. 

"Scott will work hard to cut regulatory burdens on our volunteer fire departments and paramedics," Gov. Jim Pillen said at the time of the initial announcement. "He understands we need to help volunteers so they can continue to protect their communities without red tape and unnecessary interference from the state."

Cordes was previously the administrative department head overseeing all public safety activities for Norfolk including police, fire and Region 11 Emergency Management. 

Cordes has also served the Norfolk Fire Division for 25 years in various capacities, including city fire marshal, assistant fire chief and fire chief.

Cordes also worked for the State Fire Marshal's office as a flammable liquids division inspector and as deputy state fire marshal. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Southeast Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and a Master of Science Degree in Leadership from Bellevue University.

Pillen had announced his intention to name Hunter, who has served 25 years in Omaha, as the state fire marshal in December before replacing him with Cordes a month later. Hunter had been with the Omaha Fire Department as an assistant fire chief, battalion fire chief, and fire captain.