Community members mourning loss of Fairfield Bay fire chief after accident

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Ark. – Van Buren County community members are mourning the loss of Fairfield Bay Fire Chief Doni Hovick.

Hovick passed away in a heavy machinery incident while clearing lumber. Fairfield Bay Mayor Jackie Sikes shared stories of Hovick, whom she describes as “larger than life.”

One story that stood out was when Hovick saved a dog from a burning house, risking his own life in the process. Now, that same dog is the Fairfield Bay Fire Department mascot.

"He was like a big ole teddy bear,” Sikes said of Hovick. “Rough and tough on the outside but just like a marshmallow on the inside.”

Sikes said Hovick also stood out as a leader. She said he was cool, calm and level-headed while giving instructions in emergencies.

Sarah Brown, a Shirley firefighter and EMT, said when she would arrive and see Hovick on a scene she would immediately feel at ease.

Sikes told KARK 4 News about how Hovick made an impact on her life, saying he was her 'constant support.' She also said his loss will impact the community.

"And if they'll follow him into a burning building, you bet they're going to come back and this fire departm...