Friends,
City government last month lost a dear friend and stalwart colleague.
Firefighter Bob Loviscek died suddenly on July 5th. He was taking a rare day off, visiting his (retired firefighter) dad with his son. A consummate professional, an inveterate volunteer, and so fun to be near, Bob was a “yes” man, his answer to virtually any request. Like running the 4th Street Festival cookout or leading the honor guard. He personally organized and led more than 100 funerals for retired or active firefighters.
Bob gave this community a special gift related to 9/11. He drove to New York City with his family to pick up a beam from Ground Zero to center the beautiful memorial he organized at Ivy Tech, where he led the memorial service annually with great dignity and honor.
Bob served proudly as President of Bloomington Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Local 586 and numerous offices in the district and state union. He saved lives. He organized training. He raised standards. He served the public without hesitation or expectations.
And Bob cared about politics, for absolutely the right reasons. Not for himself, or power or acclaim or jollies – though he did have fun. Bob was in politics to get good things done for people. Mostly firefighters whom he represented. Better conditions. Better equipment. Better safety. Better retirements. And also for the whole community – for more people to have better lives. Simple really – Bob was in politics to help people. One of the good ones.
Dawn and I remember Bob’s smile, and optimism, and infectious hopefulness. You couldn’t help but be a better you after hanging out with him.
Bob left us too soon. His wife Kari, kids Maddie and Robbie, and extended family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Bloomington was blessed with his service and his humanity. Rest in peace Bob Loviscek.
Sincerely,
John
P.S. Mark your calendar now for the upcoming 8th Hamilton Family Picnic tradition on Sunday, September 25th, from 4-7pm. We’ll again be at the Switchyard Park Pavillion, with music and food to share, as we activate for critical mid-term and local elections. Hope to see you there!
P.P.S. You may have heard some people already saying they plan to run for Mayor next year. Let me say "welcome to the race!” It’s good for democracy for folks to put their hats in the ring and make their case for how Bloomington gets better. But right now, I’m concentrating my political energy on the critical midterm elections and getting local, state, and federal Democrats elected on November 8th. I’m very proud of what our administration has done for Bloomington, and I'm excited about many good things ahead. We’re keeping our momentum going by developing the 2023 budget, fighting to protect reproductive rights under assault, addressing climate change, and much more. There will be plenty of time to talk about the 2023 Mayoral race after the midterms, and I look forward to doing just that. In the meantime, I'm focused on helping Democrats win in November and doing my job every day.