November 4, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Another tribute to the late Hoyte Hale.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen, State Representative Michael Hale, and members of the Smithville Fire Department recognized the life and service of Mr. Hale who passed away unexpectedly on September 29.
Hale had served as both DeKalb EMS Director for nine years and as a member of the Smithville Fire Department for almost 40 years. He was Deputy Fire Chief at the time of his death.
Hale’s sons and other members of his family gathered for the tribute at city hall. State Representative Hale presented them a framed copy of a proclamation in honor of Hale adopted by the State House as well as flags flown over the state capital. Fire Chief Charlie Parker and Assistant Chief Jeff Wright also presented the family a special award on behalf of the department and a flag from Hale’s graveside service.
“I believe wholeheartedly that you give honor to whom honor is due,” said Representative Hale. “Your dad served this city and county for about 40 years. He missed a lot of things with you just to serve this community and this county. This proclamation and flags are being presented tonight in honor and thanks for the time your dad served Smithville and DeKalb County,” said Hale.
“Hoyte was an outstanding member of our community serving as Deputy Chief for the Smithville Fire Department, and Director for DeKalb County EMS,” said Mayor Josh Miller.
“He was a veteran firefighter for the Smithville Fire Department for almost 40 years”.
Hoyte worked his way up through the ranks of the fire department serving first as a firefighter, then Captain and finally Deputy Chief of the department”.
“Hoyte was an eight-time winner of the Robert Eller award which is given to firefighters with the highest attendance for yearly incidents”.
“While on the fire department, Hoyte wanted to better serve his community, so he began his EMS career, first as an EMT-IV then Paramedic and then the EMS Director for DeKalb County,” Mayor Miller continued.
“We would like to recognize Hoyte’s many years of service to the citizens of Smithville and DeKalb County. Let me say to Zackary, Devin, and Quentin and to the rest of the family that we are very sorry for your loss,” added Mayor Miller.
“Hoyte’s passing has left a hole in our department and he is missed,” said Fire Chief Parker.
“Hoyte was more than just a firefighter. He was a friend to all. The City of Smithville and the Smithville Fire Department wanted to do something to honor his legacy with a small token of our appreciation. This recognition award is in honor of the life and service of Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale from 1985 to 2024. In remembrance of your unwavering commitment and dedication of almost 40 years of service to the citizens of Smithville and the Smithville Fire Department”, said Chief Parker.
State Representative Hale also plans to present a framed copy of the proclamation and a flag to be hung in the Smithville Fire Hall in honor of Hale’s service.