Martinsville Fire Chief Dan Howell plans retirement Dec. 31

Martinsville Fire Chief Dan Howell plans to retire effective Dec. 31, 2026, the city announced Sept. 22.

Howell has served with Martinsville Fire and EMS for 30 years and was promoted to fire chief in January 2023. The city says the department expanded its non-emergency transport program, broadened its community health worker program to include chronic disease management and completed major station renovations during his tenure.

Martinsville is seeking qualified applicants for the next fire chief. The city's announcement did not name a successor or give a hiring timetable, so the leadership transition remains in progress.

In his statement, Howell thanked current and former department personnel and reminded residents to keep working smoke detectors in their homes and not leave stoves unattended.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Martinsville Fire Department announcement posted Sept. 22, 2026, checked Sept. 25, 2026. Original editorial artwork is illustrative and does not depict official department equipment.