News
October 2, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Firefighters, EMS, law enforcement and other first responders and public safety agencies in emergency vehicles (including many ambulances and fire trucks) locally and across the mid-state formed a very long procession Wednesday afternoon to escort the body of DeKalb EMS Director and Smithville Fire Department Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale to his final resting place at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
Following the funeral service at the First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, Hale’s flag draped coffin was carried by fellow Smithville firefighters and EMS co-workers and then placed aboard a fire truck before being taken along the route to the cemetery with full firefighter honors including the reading of the firefighter’s prayer, the playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, the ringing of the bell and a flyover by Air Evac and Vandy Life Flight helicopter ambulances.
Hoyte served both the DeKalb County Ambulance Service and Smithville Volunteer Fire Department honorably for decades.
As part of the graveside service at the cemetery was the “Last” or “Final Call” which is done in respect for a fallen peace officer, firefighter or EMS staffer who was always there when they were needed. Over the radio came the “Final Call” from 911 Director Brad Mullinax of DeKalb Central Dispatch to Hoyte Hale (Badge numbers 600-EMS or 206 Smithville Fire) as follows:
“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“Negative contact with 600 or 206”
“Deputy Chief and Director Hoyte Eugene Hale has served the DeKalb County Community in many different roles over the last 40 years, dedicating his life to public safety,” said Mullinax during the final call over the radio. “He was a dedicated member of the Smithville Fire Department and made a career serving our community at DeKalb EMS, as a paramedic and ultimately the county’s EMS director. We respect your achievements as well as your sincere friendship and brotherhood. You have fought the good fight and done so with a smile, friendship, and support for the people around you”.
“We will miss you, but we know you will be watching over your fellow brothers and sisters in their continued work”
“Hoyte Eugene Hale may you rest in peace knowing your strength lives on through your family and the rest of the public safety community”.
“DeKalb EMS 600 and Smithville Fire 206 you are now clear of duty, we sincerely thank you for your service and dedication”
“Rest in peace brother, we will take it from here”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch clear this 2nd day of October 2024 ….(Time: 16:20)”
Hale is survived by 3 Sons, Zackary (Destin) Hale of Purvis, MS, Devin Caldwell Hale of Murfreesboro, TN & Quentin (Myrie) Hale of Smithville, TN. 2 Grandchildren, Roman & Bonnie Hale of Purvis, MS. Mother, Margaret Melton Hale of Temperance Hall, TN. Sister, Rosea Young of Smithville, TN. Niece, Tia (Brandon) Puckett of Smithville, TN. Great Nephews, Jackson & Maverick Puckett of Smithville, TN. Mother of his Children, Lesa Hale of Smithville, TN.
Mr. Hale was born on June 29, 1962 in Smithville, TN to his parents, Ray & Margaret Melton Hale. Preceding him in death is his Father, Ray Harvey Hale, Maternal Grandparents, Clarence Otis & Reba Irene Melton, Paternal Grandparents, Jeffery Davis & Aubrey Maey Hale. Several Aunts & Uncles also precede him in death. Mr. Hale attended the Long Branch Community Church.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home handled the funeral arrangements.
Donations Needed Today (Wednesday) and Thursday for Hurricane Flood Victims in North Carolina
October 2, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
A local relief effort is underway today and tomorrow (Wednesday & Thursday) to collect supplies for hurricane flood victims in North Carolina.
Andy Estes is set up outside at the county complex to receive donations of supplies today (Wednesday) until 8:30 p.m. and Thursday from 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at which time he will deliver the supplies to Cumberland Valley Nurseries in McMinnville to be transported to North Carolina.
Supplies needed include: Fuel/gas/diesel, water, baby formula-Similac, etc. ,baby wipes, diapers, pull ups, paper products, plates, cutlery, towels, cups, etc, tissue paper, female products, body products, deodorants, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pet food, underwear, socks for men and women, sanitizing wipes, gels, nonperishable foods, peanut butter, crackers, chips, canned food, tuna, chicken, pork n beans, hand can openers, bread, salt, pepper, sugar, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, over the counter medications, Tylenol, aspirin, band aids, and anything else you think might be needed.
Meanwhile, Salem Baptist Church in Liberty is seeking donations of non-perishable food items to help Storm Victims in East Tennessee. Donations will be collected at Salem Baptist Church in Liberty from October 5- October 10th Noon -6:00PM each day at the Fellowship Hall Drive Thru. Pull thru and drop off items just inside the door. If you have any questions email Pastor Jason Lohorn at sbcliberty@gmail.com
Local Folks Look to Volunteer for Flooding Victims
October 2, 2024
By: Bill Conger
People in DeKalb County are looking for ways to help their neighbors to the east after the flooding devastation from Hurricane Helena’s destructive path.
“We are working on getting at least one group of 15-20 people from local Baptist churches to send to East TN later this month, maybe even multiple groups,” says Aaron Young, Salem Baptist Association Disaster Relief Director.
“In a large disaster like what has happened in East TN, the TN Baptist Disaster Relief leadership coordinates with Federal, State, and local authorities on where the greatest needs are and setting up Incident Command Centers. Once that is done, groups of trained Disaster Relief volunteers, will coordinate with the TN Baptist DR leadership on when and where to deploy. DR volunteers will continue to come until there are no more people asking for help.”
Young says some good-intentioned people show up to help after disaster situations, but that desire to assist can actually back fire.
“As we saw when the tornado went through Cookeville a few years ago, when people show up to help but there is no coordination, it is actually a detriment,” Young says.
“Rogue groups would move piles of rubble from one side of the road to another, and another group would come the next day just to move it back to the spot it was before.”
Young says the best and most efficient way to help with donating items is to give directly to Baptist Disaster Relief. He says in that way it can be used on what is needed. You can go to tndisasterrelief.org.
“Anyone wanting to volunteer their time can go to the same website and get set up to be trained to be able to go on Disaster Relief callouts,” Young says. “If you are a member of a Baptist church within the Salem Baptist Association, you can email me at aaronyoung6565@gmail.com and there is a volunteer waiver form that you can fill out to be able to go with other DR trained volunteers.”
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