The round, fortress-like Havre de Grace City Hall and police department complex is now officially renamed after the man who helped build them, former mayor and prominent local doctor and community leader Gunther Hirsch.

On a hot Wednesday morning, Mayor Wayne Dougherty presided over the rededication and renaming of the City Hall building as the "Mayor Gunther Hirsch Government Center," during a brief outdoor ceremony followed by a reception.

"What better tribute to a man who demonstrated, and continues to demonstrate, his commitment to the city he calls home?" Dougherty said.

Members of the Hirsch family and numerous city elected officials, past and present, clustered around the building to hear Dougherty, Hirsch, County Executive David Craig and City Council President Bill Martin reminisce and praise Hirsch's tenure in office.

Craig, a Havre de Grace native and former mayor — twice, said there have been only 30 mayors in Havre de Grace's history, fewer than U.S. presidents, and Hirsch, who was mayor from 1989-1997, served longer than all but two. (The longest-serving, whom Pennington Avenue is named after, was actually in office for 30 years.)

He also said Hirsch, who is 85 and was born in Germany, is one of two mayors to have been born in another country besides the U.S..

Craig noted that his family has been connected with Hirsch's for a long time.

"We have had close connections with him actually since the '60s," he said.

Dougherty thanked Hirsch for years of dedication and his "progressive" approach to governing.

"His friendly smile and mild manner gave reassurance to all he came in contact with that he was there to serve," Dougherty said, adding Hirsch showed respect to everyone regardless of their status.

"He is a spiritual man who loves his community," Dougherty went on. "This building has been used by many organizations and continues that tradition today…I thank you for the many sacrifices you made while serving as an elected official."

Council President Martin said although he never knew Hirsch as a co-worker, the impact he made on the city continues to be felt.

"I was always impressed by the way the city of Havre de Grace operated and its government," Martin said.

Also, he said, "I realize how important and instrumental you were in getting [this building] built… I never had the honor of working with you but you can't go a day in this city hall without hearing your name."

Hirsch, who asked his entire family to come up to the podium with him, jokingly rebuffed the praise.

"They forgot to tell you what kind of a pain I was," he said, thanking city officials and residents. "I appreciate you all coming out for this occasion honoring me and my family."

Hirsch said the building, which was designed by his late first wife, Poldi, is a tribute to the citizens of Havre de Grace, noting that the city was able to stay within its budget because quarry workers generously offered all the stone that was needed without additional cost.

He said the city made a step into the 21st century with the building, even though some who lived there felt it was an "intrusion" into their quiet way of life.

"Moving on is painful but you can't help it, because if you don't move on, you stay behind, the city can't grow. You end up with a derelict place," he said. "Everything that wasn't here before gives impetus to the city and shows we are serious about growth, about supporting our business community."

Hirsch said being mayor was the best political job. He was president of the Harford County Council from 1998-2002 and was also a city councilman before becoming mayor.

"You are close to the people every single day," he said. "If you ask the late [Baltimore] Mayor [and governor William Donald] Schaefer, he would tell you the mayor is the best job you can have."

Although the city council is important, "if you don't sit on top of this thing and give directions, nothing happens," he said.