EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Evansville Fire Department paid tribute to a fallen hero on Wednesday afternoon with a ceremony dedicated to the late firefighter Daniel Kissel. The event also marked the official unveiling of Engine 14, a new firetruck that will serve the city for the next 25 years, with Kissel’s memory permanently emblazoned on its side.
Kissel, who served the department for over three decades, was remembered by friends, family, and colleagues during the ceremony. Among those in attendance was Mike Dickinson, a former lieutenant and battalion chief who worked closely with Kissel for many years. Dickinson, who considered Kissel not only a fellow firefighter but also a close friend, expressed appreciation for the city’s efforts in honoring his late colleague.
“The truck will be in service for the next 25 years,” Dickinson said. “So every time it rolls out, people will be reminded. The young firefighters coming on will get a lesson on who he was. It’s a fitting tribute.”
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to highlight the ongoing efforts of the fire department to modernize and expand its fleet. Fire officials confirmed that several new apparatus, including ladder and rescue trucks, will be added to their inventory in the coming years to continue providing top-tier service to the community.
Engine 14, the newest addition to the fleet, will play an essential role in the department’s day-to-day operations while ensuring that Kissel’s legacy lives on for generations of firefighters and the residents they serve.
