Both the City of Smithville and DeKalb County paid tribute to long-time public servant Hoyte Hale after presenting resolutions and plaques to Hale’s family.

The County Commission honored Hale during its last monthly meeting on October 28, while the Smithville Board of Mayor and Aldermen recognized Hale during its meeting on Monday, November 4.

Hale was a long-time Smithville Firefighter and served as the director of DeKalb EMS for nine years. The 62-year-old died unexpectedly on September 29 while visiting his sister.

During the county meeting, County Mayor Adcock read a resolution that had been adopted by the commission. A copy of the resolution was presented to Hale’s family who were present for the meeting. 

County Mayor Adcock read the resolution aloud during the meeting saying, “Whereas the DeKalb County legislative body remembers and honors the life of DeKalb EMS director Hoyte Hale;

“Whereas, Mr. Hoyte Hale was remembered for serving his community with honor, integrity, professionalism, and respect without question and displaying the character of a selfless servant of his community;

“Whereas, Mr. Hale, an EMT Paramedic served as interim EMS Director for two and a half years before becoming director in 2015. Prior to being named interim, Mr. Hale was the assistant EMS director for seven years;

“Whereas, in addition to his EMS duties Mr. Hale was also a veteran volunteer firefighter for the Smithville Fire Department having served there for almost 40 years and at the time of his death was deputy chief;

“Whereas, Mr. Hale was an eight-time winner of the Smithville Fire Department’s “Robert Eller Highest Attendance Award” given in response to the most incidents of anyone during the year;

“Whereas, Mr. Hoyte Hale sacrificed much of his time while with us, serving the community that he genuinely loved and he cared for his staff, family, and friends;

“Now therefore let it be resolved that this DeKalb County Commission honors the memory of Mr. Hoyte Hale reflecting fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living an examined life with courage and conviction.”

Smithville read a similar resolution during its Monday meeting, and also presented a plaque to Hale’s family, honoring the man who had been a dedicated servant to the community he loved.

Photo – Pictured from left are Hale’s sons Devin and Quentin Hale, mother Margaret Hale, the newly appointed EMS Director Trent Phipps, and DeKalb County Mayor Matt Adcock.