(REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.) - Wednesday morning neighbors celebrated a man who's brought Delmarva 30 years of local news and entertainment.
It was 30 years ago when Talk Radio Host Dan Gaffney began his first broadcast on Delaware radio. Gaffney now works as the morning talk radio host for Delaware 105.9 every weekday morning.
"It makes me feel blessed beyond belief to know that I've been able to do this every day for this long here and that I have so many great listeners and sponsors," said Gaffney.
Shirley Millman of Lewes says she's been listening to Gaffney since the very beginning. She says Gaffney is more than just a radio host, he's a close friend.
"I'm blessed to have known him and congratulate him for his 30 years," said Millman. "You listen to somebody on the radio and you hear them every day, they become a part of your life."
Reneta Rogers of Rehoboth Beach says she's also been listening to Gaffney since he came to Delaware in 1986. Rogers says she continues to tune in every morning because "Dan is very entertaining, informative and interesting to listen to."
Many other neighbors Wednesday morning agreed.
"We just like his show. It's refreshing, and he keeps us up to date on local community events," said Mike McClanahan of Lewes.
"He's right on top of things and if you ever need to know anything, you listen to Dan. He tells you what's going on," said Rita McClanahan. "He's just a very caring, kind person. We enjoy him and we're lucky to have him in our community."
Edward Gossett says he moved to Delmarva 5 years ago from Fort Worth, Texas. He says people like Gaffney are hard to find.
"It's very rare that you have somebody of his caliber even in a major market," said Gossett. "[Gaffney] asks a lot of great questions, so instead of just agreeing with people he makes it very inquisitive so that way it brings more to the conversation and it makes it entertaining. I think he's probably got one of the best talk shows on Delmarva."
I.G. Burton, 3rd District County Council Candidate, says he's known and worked with Gaffney for 25 years. He says he really appreciates Gaffney's genuine personality.
"He's the same guy on radio that he is walking down the street," said Burton. "He's the same guy all the time, and has been for 30 years or at least the time I've known him."
Gaffney says he didn't always know he'd be in radio. He originally aspired to move to New York City to be an actor. But after talking to a friend, he says he chose broadcasting instead; a decision he's still excited about to this day.
"Things are changing so rapidly in the world and with new technology, this is like a new job all the time. It's exciting," said Gaffney.
