AR Community Mourns Loss of Fire Chief

The mayor called Fairfield Bay Fire Chief Doni Hovick, who was tragically killed in an off-duty accident, "Larger than life!"
Aug. 8, 2024

The Van Buren County community is mourning the loss of Fairfield Bay Fire Chief Doni Hovick.

“He was like a big ole teddy bear,” Fairfield Bay Mayor Jackie Sikes told KARK 4 News. “Rough and tough on the outside but just like a marshmallow on the inside.”

Hovick was killed in a heavy machinery accident while clearing lumber. 

Sikes said Hovick was a great leader, who was cool, calm and level-headed while giving instructions in emergencies.

She told KARK 4 about the time Hovick risk his own life to save a dog from a burning house. That dog is now the Fairfield Bay Fire Department mascot.

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