WHITMAN — Fire Chief Timothy Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department are pleased to announce the retirement of Lt. Bob Hover and the subsequent promotion of Firefighter Thomas Ford.
Lt. Bob Hover
Lt. Hover will officially retire from the Whitman Fire Department on Aug. 31 after a 34-year career in fire service.
He began his career as a call firefighter on April 1, 1986. Two years later, he was appointed a full-time firefighter on Aug. 30, 1988, and then promoted to lieutenant on Jan. 24, 1999.
Lt. Hover commanded several major incidents during his career, including major gas leaks, motor vehicle crashes, mass casualty incidents and a fatal house fire. He also served as the training officer for the department for several years.
Lt. Hover held many fire certifications and was also a certified EMT. He retires with numerous letters of thanks and commendations in his file.
“Lt. Hover gave 100% every day and was a dedicated and professional member of this department,” Chief Grenno said. “Bob made a tremendous difference to this department with his strong work ethic and knowledge that you can’t replace. He was the epitome of a good firefighter and fire officer, and we will miss him greatly.”
Thomas Ford
Firefighter Ford will be promoted to the rank of Fire Lieutenant on Aug. 31 following Lt. Hover’s retirement.
Firefighter Ford began his career as a firefighter in 1999. He has served as the department’s SAFE Officer for many years and is a certified paramedic.
He holds an associate’s degree in fire science and has completed the Massachusetts Fire Academy Fire Officer 1 program. He has also completed multiple classes at the National Fire Academy.
“Firefighter Ford will be a great addition to the Command Team at Whitman Fire,” Chief Grenno said. “He has demonstrated hard work and dedication over the years and I am confident that he will excel in this new position.”
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