Lieutenant David Whipple is retiring!
On Monday, March 31, Lieutenant David Whipple will put on his headset for the last time as a full-time
Dispatcher at Southwestern New Hampshire District Fire Mutual Aid.
David was hired in July of 1987 by Chief Coordinator Robert Callahan, filling a full-time position
previously held by Larry Waters. David was the last employee hired by Chief Callahan. David was
promoted to Lieutenant in October of 2007 but served as a senior dispatcher for many years prior. David
has the distinction of being the longest tenured full-time employee working the dispatch console at Fire
Mutual Aid, a feat in itself, working days, nights, weekends and holidays for nearly 38 years!
During his time at Fire Mutual Aid, David has been a part of countless hiring committees, helping to
select our “next” dispatchers. He also volunteered to be a trainer, training many, mentoring all. In his
words, he has “enjoyed helping new dispatchers learn their way in what can be a challenging
profession.” A hallmark of David’s performance at Fire Mutual Aid that many will remember is his calm
demeanor. Whether he is dispatching a simple fire alarm or a multiple alarm fire, his laid-back manner is
the same, he is not easily rattled. This is another part of the job that David notes he has enjoyed the
most, “bringing calmness to chaotic situations.”
David has seen most of the dispatch center’s major upgrades from a room just larger than a closet to a
space large enough for five dispatch console positions and more. He has worked since the equipment
was very “analog” with not a single computer in the room to a center filled with them, radios controlled
by them and information technology abound. David has handled the challenges that these changes
present better than most.
Far beyond the Dispatch Center, for many years on December 24 th , David has left a lasting impression on
many children, and adults alike, with his annual Christmas Eve broadcast. Starting mostly as a report on
Santa’s progress, it has grown into a system wide, family-like update, as well as urging kids to be in bed
before Santa arrives, and of course, a tip of the hat to Mrs. McDonald.
Gordon Graham (lawyer, author, risk management consultant) says “predictable is preventable.” We
knew this day was coming but we were unsuccessful in preventing it. The important thing now is to offer
up sincere congratulations!
Thank you, David (Whip, Whipple), for all your contributions, Fire Mutual Aid was lucky to have you all
these years.
Six, two and even.
