James White said he wanted to be a firefighter ever since his father, Henry Hasler, became a member of the Mobile fire department.

White always admired his father, a 23-year firefighter, because he helped the community — and after Aug. 6, when the City Council named him Daphne’s fire chief, he gets to continue in his father’s footsteps.

“I get to do something that I truly, truly love,” Mr. White said.

He, and wife Vonametris — a former Baldwin County public schools teacher — have lived in Daphne for 27 years. They have three sons: James III, 25; Patrick, 21; and Coley, 17.

Mr. White became a firefighter when he was 25 years old. He was the first minority firefighter in Daphne, Mrs. White said.

Throughout his 30-year firefighter career — which includes a nine-year role as Prichard Fire Department’s chief — Mr. White’s enthusiasm has not faded, his wife said.

“Every time we pass a truck, he has to explain what kind it is, how much it cost, and where everyone has to be on it,” she said.

Mr. White and his father-in-law have collaborated on sewer lines and field work since he retired from the Prichard department in 2006, he said.

In his free time, Mr. White has coached his sons’ baseball and football teams, he said.

Even now, some kids know him as “Coach” and look for his approval, his wife said.

White is also a member of the Daphne Utilities board.

Though the City Council named Mr. White the Jubilee City’s fire chief, he is still waiting on the green light to begin work.

“I’m relieved and excited,” he said of receiving the position. “Firefighters are like a family, they have such a close bond. I can’t wait to join Daphne’s family.”