Dave Hanna retiring, honored for 30 years with Dover Fire & Rescue

DOVER — Dover Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief David Hanna was recently honored as he is retiring after 30 years of service. He was hired as a firefighter/EMT on Aug. 14, 1994 and rose through the ranks, serving as a lieutenant, captain and assistant chief.

"The Dover Fire Department isn't just a workplace; it's a family," Hanna said during a retirement celebration speech in which he thanked his family, colleagues and community members. "The bonds we form here, through shared experiences and challenges, are remarkable."

Hanna received four unit citations and a medal of valor during his career. He has a bachelor's degree in architecture, which he used as a member of the North End Fire Station Building Committee as well as the Dover Police Station Building Committee. Before retiring he spearheaded a new employee recognition program to recognize employees who go above and beyond.

Hanna has numerous volunteer accomplishments, too, including his work with the Dover Fire Toy Bank that assists families in need as well as the department's award-winning Fire Safety Festival. He also designed a 9-11 memorial graphic that depicts the Pentagon and the twin towers that can be found all around the nation.

Hanna was also a pioneer in preserving the history of Dover Fire .

"Dave has been an outstanding employee," City Manager Michael Joyal said. "The city is grateful for his hard work and leadership throughout his three decades of service. It’s people like Dave that make our organization better. We all wish Dave well in his well-deserved retirement."

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"I have had the pleasure of working with Dave on numerous building committees," Mayor Robert Carrier said. "His expertise and valuable input helped make these projects a success. I want to personally thank him for his dedication to the City of Dover over the past 30 years and we are all fortunate to have him as an employee and resident of Dover.

"Dave is one of those people that changes lives," said Perry Plummer, interim Dover fire chief. "His cool, calm, companionate demeaner made him an outstanding leader that people wanted to follow. He is a leader we can all learn from."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dave Hanna retiring, honored for 30 years with Dover Fire & Rescue