Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Local firefighters bid farewell to former Hartley chief
Followed by rigs from Hartley, Sheldon, Sanborn, Primghar and May City, firefighter Larry Espey drives Michael and Naethan Hoaglund down First Street Southwest during a salute to their father, Doug, who served on the Hartley Fire Department for 25 years. The former chief's ashes were being carried by his sons to his visitation and military rites service on Friday.
Doug Hoaglund was an active member of the Hartley Fire Department from 1989 to 2014, when he retired. Fifteen of those years were spent serving as chief.
Engines from Hartley, Sanborn, May City, Primghar and Sheldon were part of the parade for Doug Hoaglund.
Doug Hoaglund's quarter century of service on the Hartley Fire Department was worthy of a parade – so local firemen held one.
Fire engines from five departments made their way around Hartley last Friday to honor the late chief, who died June 3 at the age of 70. Hoaglund logged 25 years at the Hartley Fire Department and served 15 as its leader.
According to current Hartley Fire Chief Brad Meendering, it was the first such honor for a former firefighter in the City With a Heart.
"Doug was a good chief and did a lot for the fire department and the community over the years, and we wanted to show our appreciation to his family," he said.
Hoaglund's two sons, Naethan and Michael, road in the department's 1936 engine carrying their father's ashes. They rode past their family home and the fire department before heading to Doug's visitation and military rites service.
"It was a nice tribute for my dad and an opportunity to give him one final ride," said Naethan. "It was emotional for us. Dad loved to ride in that old '36."
Naethan recalled that his father's passion for community service burned hot – he loved being a part of the department and bonding with his fellow volunteers.
"I can remember growing up, he didn't hardly miss the monthly meetings and practices," he said. "He enjoyed being a part of it and giving
back to the community. It was something he loved a lot."
Naethan also holds fond memories of riding in parades on fire trucks with his dad and spending time at the station.
"It came full circle for us, riding as kids and going on one last ride with him," he said. "It was an emotional and special moment."
Firefighters both past and present gathered at the fire station prior to Friday's ride to share memories of the former chief. Don Sadler joined the squad in 2008 after Hoaglund recruited him to join.
"I don't know if I'd be here if it wasn't for him," he said.
Meendering noted that Hoaglund's impact on the department is evident to this day. He was instrumental in guiding the expansion project at the fire station in addition to several interior upgrades.
"He did a lot for this department," Meedering said. "The ride was good, and Doug deserved it."
A U.S. Navy veteran, Hoaglund was given military rites by the Hartley American Legion during Friday's service. He also served on the city council and was a Legion member.
Naethan said countless people have shared stories and memories of his father following his death.
"It's been really cool to hear from people you wouldn't have expected to reach out and tell us they were impacted by our father," he said. "Hearing them say those really nice things about my dad really makes you proud of him."
