Honorees

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Year Honored
1997
Honoree
Bradley E Hocking
Agency
Eau Claire Fire Department
Agency City
Eau Claire
Agency State
MI
Last Call
6/6/95
Cause of Death
On-duty Cardiac
Biography
Bradley Hocking, Sr., chief of the Pipestone-Berrien-Eau Claire Fire Dept., was laid to rest on a Friday afternoon in a style fitting a firefighter and rescue volunteer of two decades. Hocking, 55, died unexpectedly of a heart attack June 6, 1995 soon after administering CPR to a motor vehicle accident victim. He had been with the fire department since 1976, serving as the chief for the last seven years. Three weeks earlier Bradley had been enjoying his honeymoon with Judith Roberts, paramedic for Medic 1, an emergency transport service.<br /> <br /> Hocking will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to fire protection, love of family and friends, willingness to lend a helping hand and his warm generous smile. Through his diligence, the Eau Claire department was first in the area to develop a First Responders program. He garnered municipal support for a new main fire station and a fire substation, and developed a successful community smoke detector program. He was also integral from the beginning in the development of the 911 emergency system. His survivors were presented with an award for his contribution to the 911 system.<br /> <br /> Bradley Hocking's ability to inspire people to do their best and to improve themselves set the tone for the department when he became chief in 1988."I never knew a guy that was so positive, always up and enthusiastic," said John Schadt, supervisor of Berrien Township."I feel that Brad was responsible for building up the department - training, new equipment, new personnel and facilities...his energy helped make it the best part-time department in the county. He was proud of the firefighters and proud of the fire department he headed as chief."<br /> <br /> "We're going to miss him," said First Lt. Dave Bishop."What's the scoop?" Brad would say and follow it with a big smile and chuckle."He was quite unselfish even when his businesses weren't doing the best; he would always donate his time and money for special firefighter projects."<br /> <br /> Honored 1997