LODD Announcement: Retired Fremont Firefighter Mark “Mr. Gadget” Hogan
It is with profound sadness that the Fremont Fire Department and Fremont Firefighters, Local 1689, share the passing of one of their own.
Retired Fremont Firefighter Mark Hogan passed away on September 26, 2026, following a job-related illness. His nearly 40-year fire service career included 22 years of dedication to protecting lives, property, and the community of Fremont.
Hogan began his career as a volunteer with the Ripon Fire District in February 1986. He was hired full-time in October 1988 and quickly became a driving force in the department, serving as its first formally designated Training Officer.
Following his time with Ripon, Mark joined the Fremont Fire Department in 1999, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Gadget,” as there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t make, fix, or improve. At Fremont’s Station 7, Mark created a fully operational fabrication shop, customized apparatus, and proudly trained the next generation of Fremont firefighters. His commitment to teaching and helping others left a lasting mark on the department and far beyond his station. Following Hurricane Katrina, he deployed to New Orleans for a month, participating in rescue operations that resulted in 925 rescues.
After retiring from Fremont in 2021, Mark’s passion for the fire service continued in Texas, where he joined the Lorena Volunteer Fire Department in 2022.
Outside the fire service, Mark loved fabricating and helping others. One of his greatest passions was Volkswagen Beetles, and he completed the restoration of his 1972 Super Beetle just months before his passing.
Mark was one of a kind, and his legacy lives on in the firefighters he trained, the equipment he improved, and the lives he touched. He was a mentor, teacher, friend, and brother. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held to honor Mark.
Service Details:
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. Central Time
Location: Fellowship Bible Church
5200 Speegleville Road
McGregor, TX 76657