Fireman funeral: Procession honors volunteer of 60 years

Everyone at the Scotland Neck Volunteer Fire Department knew you could find Howard “PeeWee” Hale sitting across from La Casetta on Main Street every morning in his blue Chevrolet truck.

After his passing on Jan. 22, the volunteer firefighter was honored by a funeral procession with fire departments across eastern North Carolina.

Hale served the Scotland Neck Volunteer Fire Department for more than 60 years, serving as assistant chief for 15 of those. As much as he was dedicated to the department, he was also well-known in Halifax County.

“[He] waved to everyone as they came by. He has never met a stranger. Always loved everyone," said Scotland Neck Fire Chief Debby Hopkins.

She grew up with Hale's daughter and said she viewed him as another father and was honored to work with him.

“He was always the first one on the truck,” she said.

Tim Hopkins said Hale got him involved in the fire department. For two days, the department has been preparing for a final send-off for him.

"I think this has brought the fire department closer,” Hopkins said.

Tim Hopkins drove the Diamond-T truck that the department restored for the funeral procession.

"I’m privileged to take him on his last ride,” he said.

Assistant Fire Chief Adam Greene said Hale will be missed at the fire station and leaves a hole that will be hard to fill.

"He loved this department and loved everybody in it,” Greene said.

As the fire department led a procession down Main Street in Scotland Neck, community members gathered to say their goodbyes.

"I’m just glad that we are able to send him off this way. This was one of his requests. He wanted to have a fireman funeral and be carried home in a firetruck," Greene said.