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.
