DeLand fire chief passes away after cardiac emergency
DELAND, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The City of DeLand announced on Thursday that Fire Chief Dan Hanes died early Thursday morning following a cardiac emergency that occurred on Sunday, September 23rd. He was 59.
“Chief Hanes very quickly made a significant, positive impact on our fire department. He was a great role model for our firefighters and became a beloved member of our DeLand family and the community,” said Mayor Robert F. Apgar. “The city commission and staff are devastated by his death and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family for their loss.”
Chief Hanes started his employed with the City of DeLand in April and had more than 35 years of experience as a firefighter. He was previously a Fire Chief for the cities of West Palm Beach and Fernandina Beach to go along with 28 years of service with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department.
His sons Danny and Andrews Hanes also made a statement, saying that "words cannot express our gratitude for the love, prayers and support we’ve received throughout this difficult journey.”