Long-time Kell Fire Department Chief Lonnie McDaneld officially signed off as chief during a radio call with the Salem 911 Dispatch Center.
Telecommunicator Justin Draper made the call on behalf of the fire department community, firefighters, and board of trustees.
“Chief McDaneld started his career from the Kell Fire Protection in May of 1978. Becoming Chief in 1987 he has spent the last 35 years leading this Department for what it is today. Thank you Chief for your 35 years of service as chief and 48 years total service to the community.”
McDaneld responded to the message.
“After being Chief for 34 years I feel it’s time to retire as Chief. The Department has personnel ready and capable to step in and assume the position. I’m not leaving completely. I’ll be helping with the transition and also be serving in a somewhat reduced capacity in the future. I feel I’m leaving the department in a better place and position during my tenure. Our gear and equipment is second to none. That’s not all my doing, but the help and cooperation of a great Board of Trustees and firefighters. All working together collectively to better the fire department to serve our community and do it more safely. I am passing my bugle to Deputy Chief Mick McDaneld. Congratulations Chief McDaneld.”
In a later interview, McDaneld says he was especially proud to have purchased five new vehicles for the department, when they had no new trucks before him. He’s also proud of getting the new fire house constructed.
New Chief Mick McDaneld wants to build on what his brother started including further improvements.
“Right now the most immediate thing is we are upgrading our extrication equipment Going from old hydraulic systems to battery power. And then after that the next thing in mind is get a repeater in the trucks where we can talk to dispatch in the remote parts of the district.”
Mick McDaneld joined the department in November 1979 at the encouragement of his older brother because they needed manpower.
Lonnie McDaneld says he joined the department also due to a shortage of firefighters after being encouraged to do so after the department was called to put out a fence post fire started by lightning.
The Kell Fire Department has set a Saturday, January 21st, open house from three to five. A program honing Lonnie McDaneld will be held at four that afternoon.
Retiring Kell Fire Chief Lonnie McDaneld in the radio room following his final call as chief.
