Like every other fireman‚ Dana didn’t choose this profession. It chose him. As a child he sat with a red plastic fire hat on his head as he watched Emergency on T.V. As soon as Dana graduated from high school‚ he joined the volunteer fire department in town – where he eventually attained the rank of captain. He was always taking classes at the Bergen County Fire Academy – his appetite for learning about firematics was insatiable. His dream was always to be on the job in New York City and he continuously worked to make this a reality.
Dana took tests for other fire departments throughout the country and in 1998 he joined the Bridgeport Fire Department in Bridgeport‚ CT as he waited to be called to the FDNY. In February 2000‚ he was awarded the Medal of Valor‚ the second highest award the Bridgeport Fire Department can bestow upon one of its members. Along with another firefighter‚ he located and rescued an unconscious woman from an apartment that was completely engulfed in flames and smoke.
On February 3‚ 2000 my family and I watched as Dana realized his dream and graduated from the New York City fire academy. It was a proud day for all of us. Dana was assigned to Ladder 34 in Washington Heights. He spent approximately one year there and was then rotated to Engine 26 in Midtown Manhattan. He was supposed to return to Ladder 34‚ a place he considered home‚ on December 8‚ 2001. Dana also recently began to teach various classes to fire department and was a hands-on training instructor at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).
He was handsome‚ funny‚ sarcastic as hell‚ caring‚ protective‚ compassionate‚ and handy (he could fix anything). He was an avid hunter and fisherman – we always knew what he would be doing on opening day of duck season. He taught me how to spit as we walked home from school as kids. Growing up‚ my family traveled across the U.S. in my grandparents’ motor home during the summers. We went horseback riding out West‚ listened to the rumble of the water at Niagara Falls‚ and watched the sun set on the Grand Canyon (Dana asked my mom why we traveled so far to see a hole in the ground). I went to Australia in July 2001 with two of my friends and Dana and his girlfriend of five years. We all watched as he proposed to her at the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
He was a son to Gaye and Thomas Hannon‚ a grandson to Elizabeth and Raymond Kohan‚ a fianc_ to Allison Dansen‚ a friend to many‚ and he will always be my brother.
He was born to be a fireman – I know that but it doesn’t make this any easier.
I am very sincerely sorry for your loss. I may not know you but i know that it still hurts and know that you are not alone. God bless America and God bless 343.
– JustinMy family is from College point.we have family members who were firemen,cops,housing workers and so on.My heart goes out to Dana’s family.
– RICHARD HANNONI just wanted to say that today 9/1/2016 I walked the memorial stair climb in honor of Dana. He was a true hero and its a privalage to be able to climb those 110 stories. God Bless
– Bryan LeeI was proud to carry a picture of your brother at today’s 9-11 Stair Climb at Red Rocks in Colorado. Thank you for telling me more about him. I hold him in my heart. May his memory be a blessing for you and your family.
– Jane WeinfeldOn 9/11/16, I participated in the 9/11 Stair Climb at Cahokia Mounds in Illinois. I climbed to the top of the mound 9 times in honor of Dana. There were over 300 people that took part in this event. God Bless Dana for giving his life on that horrible day to help those in need. We will never forget.
– Amy TruttmannI. Will be climbing this weekend in his memory. Could not feel more honored I am from Long Beach Long Island, now in Lake Charles La. Never Forget
– Lea LeJeuneToday, 9/11/17, I participated in the 9/11 Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado for Dana. Thank you for sharing his story. I am honored I got to do my first climb for him. Never Forget.
– Cassidy WilliamsI climbed in memory of Dana today at Lambeau Field. As a fellow firefighter it was an honor to do so. He was a hero and his memory lives on, we will never forget. Rest easy Brother, we will take it from here.
– Katie JoasI climbed Belmont Park race track with Dana’s Photo attached to me. Afterwards, I looked up what I could find about his life. What an honor to get to know him through this experience. Dana would be just a few years older than me today. It is humbling to realize someone so determined to serve – also sacrificed everything. Knowing his name is a true honor to never forget, thank you Dana.
– Amy FreezeI will be proud to honor Dana Rey Hannon, my grandson is a fireman with the U S Air Force in Jackson, Ms. and his brother’s middle name is (Rey) after our last name Reynolds. Thanks for your story about Dana and thanks for your time and effort in putting this together. I will participate in our tribute to Dana here in McComb, Ms. at our Fitlife Sportsplex in our exercise class. We salute Dana and all his work as a fireman that puts his life on the line for others. God bless his family and friends.
– Sue ReynoldsToday I carried your photo 110 flights. I can not begin to express my sorrow for your loved ones and my gratitude for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service, rest easy.
– Emily SarverI participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta yesterday, 9/8/18, and I had the privilege of climbing in Dana’s honor. He sounds like the kind of person I would love to be around. The badge I wore is going up in our station today. We will never forget!
– Eric StolzeI was your neighbor for a couple years on Sheldon. Dana and I were in the same class during school, before I moved to NY in 1986. I was so sorry to hear of his loss. I know it’s been 17 years now..but that doesn’t make it any easier. Tonight, I’m praying for all of your family and remembering a sweet soul in Dana.
– Jami (Nigro) BartzMy son just walked 110 stories in honor of Dana Rey Hannon. He wore Dana’s photo and badge. When he felt tired and wanted to stop,he looked at his photo and said that is what kept him going. He said “because HE kept going”. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!!
– Kimberly MayhanToday, 9/8/19, I climbed 110 flights at the Memorial Stair Climb in Richmond, Va in remembrance of Dana. It was an honor to carry your picture every step of the way. As the wife of a career firefighter, I have so much respect for your sacrifice and your family’s sacrifice. May God bless you and your family – always.
– Lyndsey NoelI didnt know your family, but I believe your parents bought our starcraft camper – every year I think of your brother and hope his memory of our camper are as meaningful as mine. Comfort and joyful memories to you.
– amy cavanaughI participated in the stair climb at Eastern Kentucky University on 9-11-19 and climbed with Dana’s name. It was an honor.
– Leah McMaineCarried Dana’s name up the Auckland Sky Tower yesterday for the Firefighter Memorial Climb alongside hundreds of my felliw firefighters. RIP Mate. Kia Kaha
– Michael Valentine-SmithDana,
– Priscilla FraireI am a RN here in El Paso, Texas. My boyfriend is a Fireman as well & we climbed in remembrance of the fallen 343. We are here to pay our respects and also to celebrate the amazing life you lived. I had the honor of carrying your badge with your photo on it during my climb. I will keep you and your loved ones in prayer.
God bless.
09/14/19
We will never forget Dana!! My husband and I worked with his fiancé’s mother and she always talked about how they were getting married and how he loved being a firefighter! The stories she told will forever be with me. We WILL NEVER FORGET DANA. As 9/11/21 approaches I hope you find peace in knowing many people loved him and even those that didn’t are thinking about him and his family. God bless America!!
– DeannaWe remember Dana from boy scouts and the fire dept in Wyckoff. Our sons Mike & Joe were always hanging out with Dana, especially in the lead up weeks to the annual inspections.
– Mary MastroDana did have a wonderful personality and would find something funny in almost anything.
Your Bio is wonderful.
I will be walking tomorrow in the Tunnel to Tower 5K for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I will be wearing his photo as tribute and in honor of his sacrifice. May he always live in your hearts and what he did that day never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing his story, and I consider it an honor to walk in memory of him.
– KimIt is my profound honor to carry Dana’s name at the 9/11 Tower Challenge here in Flagstaff, AZ for the 20th anniversary of his sacrifice. We remember. Thank you.
– Brian DalesTen years ago our park on Lake Ontario (Rochester, NY) had a memorial. For $50 you could purchase a flag in honor of a fallen firefighter. We purchased a flag and Dana was the name given to us with our flag. We have it folded properly in a case with Dana’s name on it.
– Annette VanLeuvenWe often look at it and remember the worst day in our lives for America. We are in our 70’s now and appreciate the sacrifice.
Ed and Annette VanLeuven
I climbed through all of the grades in the Wyckoff Public School System with Dana. In fact, the last time I saw him was our ten year high school reunion. As always, Dana was full of life, laughter and that twinkle in his eye. I am blessed to have stood in his presence, so proud to see him realize goal after goal with various fire houses. The world was simply better with Dana in it.
– Susan Miles BallesterosI will never forget you Dana Hannon.
Susan Miles Ballesteros
I have had Dana Rey Hannon FDNY bracelet since they first were made/sold in tribute in 2001. I wear this bracelet every year on 9/11 and I pray for his family and friends, am humbled by his story and I spent this evening with 5 of my grandchildren ages 6, 8, 8 11 and 16… told them my memories of that terrible day and we talked about the great firefighter whose name is on my arm every year. God bless you Dana Rey Hannon.
– Sharon OvermierDana was a fun loving person. Last time I saw him was in June 2001 I had a blast with him and the rest of the guys. Visited your picture at the Memorial Wall. RIP. Christina
– ChrisHello,
– danaMy name is Dana O., I participated for the first time The Colorado stair climb on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. When I checked in there was a table of badges of fallen firefighters/police officers who lost their lives that tragic day. It was overwhelming to me. I closed my eyes and randomly picked one. I found it ironic that I picked Dana’s badge. We share the same name. I got married on 6/29/2001. 2015 I lost my husband tragically to a blood clot in his lung. I felt him and Dana with me that day. I will continue to wear Dana’s badge every year moving forward. Thank you for sharing Dana with me. Dana Olson
Today, 9/11/22, in Colorado at Red Rocks, I walk, climb the stairs in his honor. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends
– Brenda BusheyI climbed in honor of Dana at the Fort Bliss 9/11 Stair Climb Tribute event 2022. Continued gratitude and acknowledgment for his sacrifice and that of his family. I WILL NEVER FORGET.
– Stephanie AndersonI received Dana’s picture to carry with me on The Red Rocks Memorial stair climb. It was motivational to have his picture in hand and think of his sacrifice to save others. I enjoyed reading about his life.
– Hilary Edwards9/10/22 we walked here in Fort Myers, FL to honor your brother Dana and so many others.
– Lisa EvansI did a 9/11 memorial stair climb in his honor. Since, my grandfather had 44 years with Waldwick. I am sorry for your loss and I promise we will never forget.
– Jeff BieleToday, 9/9/2023, I participated in the Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb @ Werner Park Baseball Stadium. It was an honor to climb in Dana’s honor. I am grateful for his service and dedication to his community and fellow firefighters. My thoughts are also with his family members and friends on the anniversary of 9/11. Never forget.
– Amber Leed-KellyI’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your brother . I was in NYC on a business trip back in 12/01. At the time , my husband was an Engineer with the Carlsbad Fire Department (CA) . I was honored to be able to attended Dana’s Celebration of Life service. We have both visited his name on the memorial at ground zero. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
– Gigi BerkliteI happened to see Dana’s name on a list of the fallen and knew exactly who he was. He was a year ahead of me but shared the same bus stop in high school. Always one of the nicest guys. I was not popular but that did not matter to him. He treated me as if that had no bearing at all. I had always wondered about him throughout the years and I now know. I am so so sorry for your loss. Dana was one of the good ones. My deepest condolences.
– RebeccaI carried Dana’s name and photo during the 9/11 Stair Climb in Springfield, MO on 9/30/23. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God Bless his family and all those who loved him.
– Autumn Albert