Dover Fire Chief Richard "Turkey" Mattison, who died on Wednesday, will be honored with a fireman's service on Monday evening and a fireman's procession on Tuesday morning.
Mattison, who served in Dover's fire department for 43 years, was "just an all-around great guy," said Deputy Chief Bill Gilbert, who retains that title while now running the department.
"He was a highly respected leader and friend to all who knew him," Gilbert added. "Chief Mattison will be sorely missed by his family, friends and department members."
Mattison, 64, died of esophageal cancer, Gilbert said. But Mattison was "very much active in the department" up until the time of his death, Gilbert added. During his 43 years as a Dover firefighter, Mattison served as department chief for what department officials described as an "unprecedented" five times — in 1985, 1996, 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Mattison also served as lieutenant of the board of fire wardens in 1979; captain of the board of fire wardens in 1980; secretary/treasurer of the board of fire wardens; treasurer of the Dover Volunteer Firemen's Association and treasurer of the Dover Firemen's Relief Association.