Three decades and burnin'

Daniel Harris of the Dobbins Fire Department was recently honored for 30 years of service to the federal government. After servins four years in the U.S. Air Force, Harris has worked as a civil servant at Castle Air Force Base, Ca., Mather AFB, Ca., Fort Rucker Al. and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad Fallin)

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Three decades and burnin'

Daniel Harris of the Dobbins Fire Department was recently honored for 30 years of service to the federal government. After servins four years in the U.S. Air Force, Harris has worked as a civil servant at Castle Air Force Base, Ca., Mather AFB, Ca., Fort Rucker Al. and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad Fallin)

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Col. Marshall Irvin, 94th Mission Support Group commander, presents Daniel Harris of the Dobbins Fire Department with a Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years of service to the federal government. “Thank you, Mr. Harris,” said Irvin. “We are proud to honor the dedication and sacrifice. Keep doing what you’re doing!” (Courtesy photo)

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Three decades and burnin'

Published Nov. 19, 2013
By James Branch
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Surpassing 30 years of service to the federal government is no easy task. When Daniel Harris of the Dobbins Fire Department joined the U.S. Air Force in 1982, he had no idea he would serve his country for over three decades.

His Air Force career began with Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and included orders to report to Castle AFB, Ca. After his four year enlistment ended, he went to work as a civil servant at Mather AFB, Ca. until its closure in 1988.

"Many of the bases I served at ran their course, but I didn't," said Harris. "I just packed up and moved on to the next installation that would have me."

After leaving Mather AFB to work at Fort Rucker, Al., he met his wife, who joined the military in 1989. Harris left Fort Rucker to join his wife, who like him, was assigned to Castle AFB as her first duty station.

The two spent six years at Castle AFB until its base closure. Harris moved to Georgia while his wife continued serving on active duty. He applied for, and was hired at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in 1995.

"Being a firefighter is such an important job," said Col. Marshall Irvin, 94th Mission Support Group commander. "That's why it's very important that you hire the right people. Daniel Harris has the knowledge, experience and attitude we need to protect the assetts of this base, and community."

Harris' wife joined him here after leaving active duty. They have been here ever since. The love and service they both share for their country runs deep in their family.

"My son has served in the U.S. Army for six years," said Harris. "He has deployed to Iraq twice. He and his wife live in Germany, and he's seeking a college degree in
criminal justice. I'm very proud of him."

With his number of years of service, Harris has seen many faces come and go. He insists that one thing never changes.

"No matter where you go, a firefighter's willingness to serve never changes," he said. "We are all one big family."

Colonel Irvin presented Harris with a certificate of appreciation horing his 30 years of service to the federal government.

"Thank you, Mr. Harris," said Irvin. "We are proud to honor the dedication and sacrifice you've made for over three decades. Keep doing what you're doing!"