Harrison Fire Chief Honored for Service

At the Dec. 15 Harrison City Council meeting, retiring Fire Chief Chris Damvelt was awarded a Proclamation of Appreciation for his many years of service to the City and surrounding communities, in multiple capacities. That proclamation reads as follows:

 For Dedicated Service to the City of Harrison

WHEREAS, Chris Damvelt has served the City of Harrison in various capacities since 1985, beginning his public service as a firefighter and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community; and

WHEREAS, Chris Damvelt further served the City as a member of the Harrison City Council from November 1998 through November 2014, contributing to policy decisions, community initiatives, and the long-term direction of municipal operations; and

WHEREAS, Chris Damvelt was appointed Fire Chief in 2016 and has served in that role through the end of 2025, providing nearly a decade of steady leadership, operational oversight, and dedication to the improvement of the Harrison Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership the department roster grew and strengthened, morale improved, and the result was a more capable and motivated firefighting team that consistently served the community with professionalism; and

WHEREAS, Fire Chief Damvelt has been instrumental in securing grant funding for critical fire equipment, implementing modern training tools for personnel, and updating departmental procedures to support safer and more efficient operations; and

WHEREAS, Fire Chief Damvelt has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the community by assisting with youth and family-focused events, including Halloween activities and the Kids Carnival at the annual Street Fair, often volunteering his time to ensure a safe and positive experience for residents; and

WHEREAS, throughout his service, Chief Damvelt has responded to countless emergency calls with professionalism, steady leadership, and a dependable presence that has strengthened both the department and the community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Harrison wishes to recognize and honor Fire Chief Chris Damvelt for forty years of dedicated service, exemplary leadership, and meaningful contributions to public safety and community life;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Harrison City Council hereby formally recognizes Fire Chief Chris Damvelt for his outstanding service to the City of Harrison and expresses its sincere appreciation for his commitment, professionalism, and dedication to the community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Proclamation is presented with gratitude on this Fifteenth Day of December, 2025.

Presented by the Harrison City Council

Signed: Daniel F. Sullivan, Mayor