Staff photo / Dan Pompili Boardman Township Trustee Matt Gambrel, front right, administers the oath of office to newly-promoted Boardman Fire lieutenant and fire inspector Troy Haire, and Haire’s Great Dane, Henry, who was given a field commission of honorary fire inspector. Police Chief Todd Werth, back left, and fire Chief Mark Pitzer, back right, observe.

BOARDMAN — Fire prevention has a new face in the township.

Soon, local businesses and residents will get to know Lt. Troy Haire, who was promoted by trustees Tuesday evening to lieutenant and fire prevention officer for the Boardman Township Fire Department.

Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said the well-deserved promotion also carried emotional weight for the whole department, because Haire steps into the role previously held by longtime veteran Tom Donadee, who died in December from occupational cancer.

“So this is a bittersweet for the fire department. We are thrilled for Troy to be getting promoted here this evening. However, under the circumstances, it has been difficult for our fire department with the passing of Lt. Tom Donadee,” Pitzer said.

Pitzer noted that firefighters are three to four times more likely to develop cancer because of all the smoke and various other elements they are exposed to in the line of duty. Donadee died at the age of 61 after a roughly 30-year career with the department.

But Pitzer said he takes pride in promoting Haire to the position, noting that the 12-year veteran holds a special place for him as chief.

“I put an asterisk by it, but Troy was my first hire. Technically, the first firefighter I hired when I became chief only lasted four days, so I thought I was off to a very rough start. But I found Troy,” he said.

Originally from East Liverpool, Haire and his wife, Missy, moved away for a time, but Pitzer said he was pleased to bring him back to the Valley.

“We brought him home from Savannah, Georgia, 12 years ago. And Troy has been a dedicated first responder to our community,” he said. “And there is nobody more deserving of this promotion than I believe Troy is. His demeanor is well received by everybody. I think he’s going to do wonders with the business community here in Boardman and foster a great relationship with our business community.”

But Haire was not the only member of his family promoted on Tuesday.

Haire is known affectionately as “Dawg” among his firefighting brethren. And at his side Tuesday — and often in recent months at the fire station — was his 3-year-old Great Dane, Henry.

“So tonight we’re also going to be swearing in Henry. We have a little badge, a little tag for him. He’s going to be an honorary fire inspector with Troy,” Pitzer said.

The chief said the dog has become a critical part of the family at a sensitive time.

“Shortly after the passing of Tom Donadee, Troy in January had a medical issue and he was on light duty. He came to me and said, ‘Chief, hey, do you mind if I bring my dog a couple of days a week? I promise he won’t get in any mischief and won’t be a hassle around the fire department.”

Pitzer said that after some consideration, he decided Henry was just what the department needed.

“We were going through a very difficult time with the passing of Tom. Also, you know, around the fire department at times…we run very difficult calls, and bringing Henry in, I thought maybe that would be a good morale booster.”

He said Henry’s presence changed the atmosphere at the firehouse “dramatically.”

“Guys would go on a run, they would come back from a call, and Henry’s running around, and it brought smiles to everybody’s faces,” he said. “So Henry came in, in my opinion, to our fire department at a great time, when our guys needed a little bit of uplifting.”

He said the dog is even more beloved by children who visit the station than are the big red fire trucks kids so often stare at in awe.

Trustee Matt Gambrel swore in Haire and then asked if he accepted the same responsibilities and honors on Henry’s behalf. Haire consented.

The new lieutenant spoke briefly and humbly about the promotion, and his appreciation for everyone around him.

“I’m just so thankful to everybody that made it possible for me. Chief Pitzer’s been great and really stepped up for me. The trustees being willing to bring Henry on board, it’s all just very, very kind,” he said. “And all the guys from the department who are here, I’m super appreciative of them. And I couldn’t have done it without my family, they’re always my biggest supporters, and my wife Missy, I love her and I’m just so thankful for her.”

Haire said he is not worried about Henry joining him on inspections, because the enormous dog is friendly with everyone.