The Town of Hanover Fire Department is honoured to announce an extraordinary and deeply meaningful donation made by Barb Schlatman and family in memory of retired Deputy Chief Joe Schlatman (#89).
The Schlatman family has generously contributed $25,000 to support several important initiatives within the department, including:
- $10,000 toward Rope Rescue Equipment upgrades
- $10,000 toward Water Rescue Equipment upgrades
- $5,000 toward the construction of a Roof Ventilation Training Prop
This remarkable gift will directly support firefighter training, technical rescue capabilities, and operational readiness for years to come. More importantly, it serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication and commitment helped shape the Hanover Fire Department across generations.
Deputy Chief Schlatman served with the department for 35 years, from 1967 until his retirement in 2002. During his career, he became known not only for his leadership and experience, but for the pride he carried in the department and the people who served within it.
For Joe, the fire department was never simply a place to volunteer, it was family, tradition, and community. Even after retirement, his connection to the department remained incredibly strong. One of his most meaningful personal contributions was the work he undertook to maintain a detailed historical record of every Hanover Fire Department member from its 1901 inception to 2023. It was a task he took immense pride in and this effort speaks volumes about the importance he placed on remembering those who served ensuring that no member, past or present, was ever forgotten. It is a remarkable legacy of care, attention, and connection to the department’s identity.
“This donation is incredibly meaningful to our department,” said Fire Chief Jeff Dentinger. “Joe dedicated much of his life to serving this community and supporting the members around him. The Schlatman family’s generosity ensures that his legacy will continue to live on through training, equipment, and opportunities that will directly benefit firefighters and the residents we serve.”
The initiatives supported through this donation reflect the evolving responsibilities of today’s fire service. Enhanced rope and water rescue equipment will strengthen the department’s technical rescue capabilities, while the roof ventilation prop will provide firefighters with realistic, hands-on training opportunities to safely develop critical fireground skills.
For members of the Hanover Fire Department, this contribution represents far more than financial support. It is a reminder of the lasting impact one individual can have on an organization and a community through decades of dedication, mentorship, and service.
The department will be working in the coming months to recognize this extraordinary contribution and to honour Joe’s memory in a manner that reflects both the significance of this gift and the legacy behind it.
On behalf of the entire Hanover Fire Department and the community we proudly serve, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Barb Schlatman and the Schlatman family for this incredible act of generosity and remembrance.