05/26/2026
As we celebrate a 30+ year career with MFD, it’s pretty amazing all that David Monahan has seen and done with MFD. Since first joining in 1994, following the footsteps of his dad (the late Brian Monahan), he’s seen thousands of emergency incidents, training events, certifications across years of on the job training - “baptism by fire” if you will!
One of his most memorable calls was a large grass fire, years ago, with Dave driving the old yellow Pump & Chief Kilborn riding on the back of the truck, fighting fire. Dave vividly remembers Al saying, “Dave, I will fight fire with you any day”, and anyone who knew Al will agree that this is high praise. He also remembers his early days at MFD, when riding the tailboard was common while responding to calls (that’s long gone, now!).
Dave joined MFD following his father, the late Brian Monahan, who served a lengthy career at MFD also. A young Dave frequented the firehall long before he joined the ranks, and it’s where he learned to work hard, knowing first responders only meet people on the worst day of their life.
Dave’s best advice for future firefighters, is to take any traing offered, but to remember that on the job training is just as important as book work - as is paying attention to older, experienced firefighters.
Dave credits many people for guidance throughout his career: first & foremost his dad, the late Fire Marshal Brian Monahan. He also mentions Fire Chief (the late) Al Kilborn, Fire (the late) Chief Al Hegge, Fire Chief (Retired) Blair Mohr, current Fire Chief Steve Moen, current DC Trevor Palmer, and Cpt. (Retired) Mike Parsons, as well as so many other amazing firefighters and fire officers through the years. When asked if there was anything he would change, if he could, he said “No mulligans, I learned from everything.” This has always been key to Dave’s fire services career: seeing opportunity to learn and grow, even when things that didn’t go to plan.
When given an ‘open mic’, Dave’s words are: “I am truly honored to be retiring, and putting my efforts into the Millet Veteran Firefighter’s Association with so many of my fellow retired Millet firefighters”.
Dave, we thank you!
