Firefighter Spotlight

Captain, EMT Don Dallenbach

Why did you join the Hendersonville Fire Department?

Our family moved to Hendersonville in 1977, so I have

spent the majority of my life here. Through the years

I have seen our community grow and develop

and I have made many life long friendships.

I knew a long time ago that I wanted to raise

my family here. I started my public safety career

with Sumner County EMS as an EMT-IV. While stationed

at one of the Hendersonville Fire Department

stations and working with the Firefighters, I realized

I had found my calling. I tested and was hired in

1992 and can honestly say I love what I do today as

much as the first day I put on the uniform.

What do you like most about the Hendersonville Fire Department?

As firefighters, we are tasked with protecting and

 serving our community. The members of the Hendersonville

Fire Department are, by far, some of the most highly

trained and professional firefighters in the State.

I am privileged to work along with these firefighters

and for a department that takes such pride in it's members

and the community. It is this high level of training, dedication

and professionalism that enables us to be positive, influential

role models within our community and be able to make a

positive difference in someone's life at their time of need.

What is the most significant development in your career?

As a department, we have seen several significant

developments over the years. Traditionally, the Fire

Service has been slow to change and the utilization

of new technology. Our department has stepped outside

of that old tradition and is constantly improving our ability to respond

to any emergency situation, especially in the post 9/11 world

we now live in. Through constant training and using the latest

tools and equipment such as thermal imaging cameras,

state of the art turnout gear and breathing apparatus,

AED's (Automatic External Defibrillators), a dive rescue

unit, and hazardous material response equipment we

are able to do our jobs efficiently, effectively and most

importantly, safely.

Any community activities?

I am involved as a youth baseball coach with the Cal Ripken

Baseball League and am currently coaching on a Rookie

League team. Go Giants!

  What are your future plans?

I plan on continuing my career here at the Hendersonville

Fire Department, serving our community to the best of

my ability, taking a proactive part in the future of our

Department and preparing myself for future promotional

opportunities. I am blessed to be able to do what I love

every day and plan to continue until retirement.

Tell us about your family

My wife, Denise, is a Lab Tech at Hendersonville Hospital.

We have been married now for 11 years and have two

wonderful sons, Dylan (7) and Drew (5). It takes a special

person to be a fireman's wife when we are away from our

family every third day. I am blessed to have such a special,

supportive and caring wife and family.

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