98.1 KHAK First Responder Friday Honors Ron & Julie Hoover

Every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder during our 'First Responder Friday' segment! The weekly honoree receives a $25 gift card to Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and a $25 gift card to Honor and Respect.

Today we're honoring two people: Ron & Julie Hoover! They were nominated anonymously, and the entry reads:

"Ron and Julie Hoover are the Alburnett Otter Creek Township Fire Department's original 'Husband & Wife' responder team. Ron has 41 years of service with the department, and Julie has 34 years, totaling a combined 75 years of dedicated service to the residents of Alburnett and Otter Creek Township! Ron has served many years as the Fire Chief, most recently retiring from that position on 12/31/2024. Julie joined her husband once their kids were in school. She is one of the department's EMTs and an American Heart Association-certified BLS/Heartsaver CPR instructor. I nominate them both because the family values they embody define the heart and soul of a first responder. If asked, I’m sure Chief Hoover would say, 'everything is a team effort; no one person is more important than another on a small department.' While EVERYONE is important, not everyone will dedicate so many years of their life to serving their community. Thank you, Ron and Julie Hoover!"

Congratulations to Ron & Julie! We thank you both for your dedication and service to our community!

Our First Responder Friday winners are selected from nominations submitted by you! You can make a nomination below. When including your photo, please keep in mind that any kids in the picture need to be your own. Please let us know if we have parental permission to post the children, otherwise, their faces will be covered when the photo is published on our sites. Thank you for your submissions!