The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
50 years ago on this date, June 10th, 1968, Lloyd H. (Hal) Jern joined the Oquawka Volunteer Fire Department.
Over his 50 years of service as a volunteer for our community, Hal has served as a firefighter, a secretary, an Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief and he is again currently serving as our secretary.
Hal has served day and night, rain storms and snow storms, hot days and cold days, missing many family dinners and family functions, with many thankless hours of community service. There are many more things that community volunteers do that no one else sees or will ever know about.
Hal has responded to around 5,000 emergency calls and has served with around 1,000 other firefighters in and around Oquawka over his fifty years.
Hal has put in countless hours securing fire grants for new and newer fire equipment to better the fire department and to insure safety to our firefighters.
He has taught fire prevention to our school children since 1974, teaching them how to STOP, DROP and ROLL and how to get out of the home safely.
Hal has never ever wanted a pat on the back nor does he take a "thank you" very well, because he does this to fulfill his heart and enjoys helping our community when an emergency arises.
Hal has seen many firefighters come and go and he speaks highly of his predecessors. He is very proud of these firefighters and the Oquawka Fire Department.
The Oquawka Fire Department appreciates Hal Jern for his 50 years of dedication and continuous service to the Oquawka Fire Department and for being a role model for future generations of volunteer firemen.