Goonan gets mayor’s nod for Manchester fire chief

April 06--MANCHESTER -- Mayor Ted Gatsas has nominated Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Goonan to succeed James Burkush as the next chief of the Manchester Fire Department.

If confirmed, Goonan would assume the reins of the Queen City department upon Burkush's retirement later this month. The nomination will lay over until the next meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on April 19. Burkush is scheduled to retire, then start a new job as Hooksett's fire chief, on May 1.

"I'm humbled and honored," said Goonan. "I remember the first day I came home in my fire gear, and my dad looking at me and saying, 'someday you're going to be chief of that department.' Something like that sticks with you, and I wish he were here to see this. My mom's at home bawling her eyes out watching."

The announcement received a standing ovation from city aldermen and those attending the meeting.

"For 32 years Assistant Chief Goonan has served the Manchester Fire Department with honor and grace," said Gatsas. "Honor because every day I know he comes to work and considers it his life's honor to wear the badge of the MFD ad feels it's a privilege to be a member of its ranks."

Goonan began his career with Manchester fire in 1984 at the age of 21. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1996, became captain in 2000, a district chief in 2003, deputy chief of Administration in 2008, and assistant fire chief in 2015.

"Having worked with Assistant Chief Goonan in my time as mayor, and also as an alderman, I admire his dedication to Manchester," said Gatsas. "We have all heard the expression, 'he wears his heart on his sleeve.' From the time Dan Goonan could walk and talk I am sure he was telling his mother he wanted to be a Manchester Firefighter, and I have no doubt that as he got older, and more mature, his goal -- his dream -- was to become the Manchester Fire Chief."

"I've known Dan and worked alongside Dan my whole career, and I know he will make an excellent chief," said Burkush.

In nominating Goonan, Gatsas referenced Goonan serving the Queen City with "grace."

"Grace in my book describes someone that moves through life, or their daily routine, never wavering regardless of outside pressure," said Gatsas. "Grace describes someone that is always doing things for the greater good of the group and not their own self-interest. Grace describes the person that will take it on the chin to spare others angst, anguish or embarrassment. And grace describes someone that in serious, stressful moments -- like budget discussions with the mayor -- finds a way to inject humor to lighten the moment, but not distract from the conversation."

Gatsas told Goonan he was surrounded by people "beaming with pride" over his nomination, including family, friends and Chief Burkush.

"And tonight I am sure that somewhere, somehow your father, a public servant to this city himself as a police officer, and a member of this board, and a friend to the city, has a full heart and is looking down with pride this evening," said Gatsas.

If confirmed, Goonan would receive an annual salary of $133,124.53.

Earlier this year, Burkush announced his retirement after four decades with the department, becoming Hooksett's fire chief as of May 1.

Burkush joined the Queen City fire department in 1977, moving up in the ranks until be became chief in February 2008.

Burkush will take his pension -- which Martin Karlon, public information officer for the New Hampshire Retirement System, told the New Hampshire Union Leader will be about 97.5 percent of his current salary, or about $140,000 annually.

Burkush's employment contract with Hooksett spans three years and requires him to work 30 hours for about $99,000 annually. He will not receive insurance or retirement benefits.

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