Newly promoted captains, from left to right, Josh Townsend, Gary Stanley, Bobby Maton and Josh Harris pose with Chief Matt Daniel
The Dalton Fire Department announced the promotion of four longtime firefighters to the rank of captain at Tuesday's meeting of the Public Safety Commission. Firefighters Josh Harris, Bobby Maton, Gary Stanley and Josh Townsend were all presented to the commission and received their captain's badges.
Captain Josh Harris joined the Dalton Fire Department in February 1998 and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2007. In addition to his duties as an officer on his shift, Capt. Harris has served as the lead instructor for water rescue and technical rescue training.
Chief Matt Daniel noted that Capt. Harris has also taken an active role in the career development of his subordinates and has become an active voice in succession planning for the agency.
Captain Bobby Maton has been with the DFD since January 2000, and earned his promotion to the rank of lieutenant in 2014. Capt. Maton has since served as the officer in charge of both Engine 4 and Engine 1. He is a licensed EMT and is a graduate of the prestigious Georgia FLAMES training program. Before joining the DFD, Capt. Maton served in the United States Air Force.
Captain Gary Stanley joined the Dalton Fire Department in April 1999 after serving as a volunteer with the Whitfield County Fire Department. Capt. Stanley was promoted to lieutenant last year and has since served as the officer in charge of Engine 2 on B-Shift. Chief Daniel noted that Capt. Stanley has been a respected leader among the ranks on his shift. Chief Daniel also noted that Capt. Stanley has several recognitions for outstanding performance on his record, as well as two individual commendations for lifesaving efforts during incidents. Before joining the fire department, Capt. Stanley served in the United States Army.
Captain Josh Townsend joined the department in March 2001. He earned his promotion to lieutenant in 2014 and in that time as also served as a fill-in captain and shift commander when those roles were left vacant due to absences. Chief Daniel told the commission members that Capt. Townsend has continued his training with numerous classes in tactics, leadership, and management. He also has served with the Georgia Search and Rescue task force and is an emergency medical technician.
The PSC members voted 4-0 to recognize the promotions. After being presented to the commission, each of the firefighters had their new captain's badge pinned by their wives.
"I'd like to say congratulations to each of you," Public Safety Commission member, Terry Mathis, said. "I'm sitting here and maybe in the last 18 years I don't remember having so much experience in one room and one promotion (ceremony). It's exciting that you guys have been part of the family for so long and have stuck with us."
"I want to congratulate these guys, because I worked with each and every one of them," said commission member Lane Jackson, a retired Dalton firefighter. "I'm happy for you."
"I always love to see people get promoted," said Chairman Truman Whitfield. "I don't expect anything less than the great things you've done in the past and we look forward to supporting you in the future."
"Congratulations, gentlemen, it's well deserved and thank you to your families, too, for the support you give these guys," said Mayor Annalee Harlan, who also serves on the Public Safety Commission.