The Tioga Volunteer Fire Department honored a lifetime of service and dedication by naming veteran Firefighter Carl Dane as an honorary captain, recognizing his more than three decades of commitment to public safety across North Texas.
'He's a great individual, and he has volunteered to come and help us with training,' TVFD Chief Richard Hartman said, adding that Dane is a 'great role model for all of our younger firefighters.'
He was given a TVFD winter jacket with his name and honorary rank embroidered on it.
Carl’s fire service career spanned 34 years, during which he served with the city of Denton Fire Department, DFW International Airport Fire Department and the Plano Fire Department.
Known throughout the region for his professionalism and steady leadership, Carl built a reputation as a firefighter who combined deep technical knowledge with a passion for teaching and mentoring others.
'We looked back at his past and his history, and the fire department [members] made a motion … and wanted to thank him for all of his support and decided to make him an honorary captain,' Hartman said.
In addition to his operational roles, Carl made a lasting impact as an educator.
For several years, he taught the hazardous materials class at the Aubrey Fire School, helping train generations of firefighters in one of the most complex and highrisk areas of emergency response.
Former students and colleagues credit him with setting high standards for safety, preparedness and accountability.
Carl also gave generously of his time to volunteer service, assisting both the Aubrey and the Pilot Point volunteer fire departments.
His willingness to support smaller departments underscored his belief that every community, regardless of size, deserves well-trained and dedicated emergency responders.
Hartman cited Carl’s willingness to go beyond his paid fire work to help train volunteer firefighters, like Hartman's staff, commending Carl for 'his dedication to the fire service and his [desire] to teach and further fire education.'
'He donated a lot of his time back to teaching it and not just being paid for it,' he said.
Public service has long been a family commitment for the Danes.
Carl’s wife, Judy Dane, served as a volunteer with the Pilot Point and Aubrey Ambulance Service, contributing countless hours to emergency medical response and community care.
They have both financially supported multiple volunteer departments in the North Texas area.
Carl and Judy were also known for finding creative ways to bring the community together in support of local causes.
One of their most memorable efforts involved organizing a professional wrestling event featuring the famed Von Erich family to raising muchneeded funds for the community’s emergency service needs.
The events reflected their belief that fundraising could be both meaningful and fun, strengthening community ties while supporting those who protect and serve.
The honorary captain title serves as a symbol of gratitude from the TVFD and the surrounding communities Carlhas supported for decades—a lasting acknowledgment of a career defined by service, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.
'He's a great resource on helping build our department toward the future of going paid eventually, way in the future, helping us with any questions … that we have,' Hartman said. 'He's a great resource to us, and he's always open to help.'
