Eddie Hatmaker, Bobby Stooksbury recognized as Caryville Vol. Fire Dept.‘s longest tenured members

The wives behind the 50-year firefighters. Left to right are Bobby and Carol Stooksbury, Bertha and Eddie Hatmaker.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – It was the best kept secret in Caryville, the surprise ceremony to honor two veteran firefighters, Fire Chief Eddie Hatmaker and Firefighter and former Chief Bobby Stooksbury. Neither had a clue until family members, firefighters and other friends began filtering in to the Caryville Municipal Building Monday evening as the monthly meeting of the mayor and aldermen wound down. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.

Firefighting is a family business, because families sacrifice so much as well. Left to right are Janet Connor, Bobby and Carol Stooksbury, Bertha and Eddie Hatmaker, Jamesyn Goins (front), Emily Hicks and Brooke Goins (back) and Dewayne Goins (right).

Alderman Eric Jones opened the ceremony by saying that since the 1953 founding of the Caryville Volunteer Fire Department, Hatmaker and Stooksbury have put their lives on the line for 50 of those years. “They put their personal lives on hold, helping others, performing some tasks they’d like to forget, others they enjoy remembering. They are leaders, friends and heroes to many of us,” said Jones.

State Representative Dennis Powers presented Stooksbury (left) and Hatmaker (right) with proclamations from the State of Tennessee.

Chief Hatmaker, Badge 521, was definitely surprised and so was Firefighter Bobby Stooksbury, Badge 501. “We’ve had some bad times and many good times. I’ve made a lot of friends along the way,” said Hatmaker. “It’s like the other night. That truck fire Friday on the interstate. I ask for help, and they show up,” said Hatmaker. The chief is referencing the other fire agencies, fellow firefighters, who came to assist, like so many other times before.

Bobby Stooksbury and Eddie Hatmaker proudly hold the ceremonial golden axes they had just been presented.

A surprised and pleased Stooksbury was quick to recognize former CVFD Chief Esco Raines who was in the audience. “He was the chief when we started. He was our mentor and showed us the way,” said Stooksbury. Raines shouted from the crowd, “proud of you boys.”

Former Caryville Fire Chief and mentor to Stooksbury and Hatmaker Esco Raines was on hand for the ceremony.

“My father was a policeman and a firefighter. So, this is also very special to me,” said State Representative Dennis Powers. Powers presented Hatmaker and Stooksbury with proclamations saying “you’ve earned multiple awards over your many years of service, and I’d like to thank your families, too, who also sacrificed. “Your 50 years of service is a testament to your loyalty to Caryville and Tennessee,” said Powers.

Metal flags showcasing the thin red line were also presented.

“It’s been very rewarding, a lot of fun, too.  Eddie and I have done a lot together, even cried together,” said Stooksbury.  “From day one, Eddie had my back, and I had his back.  It’s such a brotherhood, and now also a sisterhood.  I could call any of them for help, and they’d be here.  That’s a good feeling,” said Stooksbury.

For the pair of veterans, this 50 year milestone is just that, a milestone.  Both plan to continue serving the Caryville Volunteer Fire Department and their hometown of Caryville.

It all adds up to more than 100 combined years of service from current firefighters, Bobby Stooksbury (left) and Eddie Hatmaker (right), and former firefighters Esco Raines and Don Jones.

“From rookies in 1974 to chief and all other positions between, they don’t boast or brag.  On behalf of the fire department, to the Hatmaker and Stooksbury families, “thank you,” said Alderman Jones.

Bertha Hatmaker and her granddaughter Jamesyn Goins look on during Monday night’s ceremony.

If there was ever a secret of how much Hatmaker and Stooksbury mean to their hometown, Monday night’s large turnout and the many kind words expressed let the cat out of the bag.  

Here is the full release Alderman Eric Jones read at Monday’s Caryville 50-year ceremony

Since the founding of the Caryville Fire Department in 1953, many people have served, come and gone for one reason or another.  However, for the last 50 years anytime day or night whether for only a few minutes or hours on end, two individuals have volunteered their time to answer the call to serve their community.

Countless times, these men have put their lives on the line and put their normal daily activities and personal lives on hold to help those in need. These men have seen more than their fair share of what is extremely hard for some to fathom, but they have put those things behind them and continued to do the job they were called to do. They have answered the call to help with things that I know has left a mark on them; some they will never forget, and some I’m sure they wish they could. The triumphs and the heartaches have made these two leaders, mentors, friends and heroes to many of us. It takes a special person to dedicate the time to their community that they have. During the last 50 years both of these individuals have served in various roles with the Caryville Fire Dept. From the rookie status of firefighter to the rank of Chief. These men can lay claim to these and all of the titles in between but would not boast or brag about any of them, because it’s a way of life for both. 

On behalf of the town of Caryville, I want to thank Bobby Stooksbury and Eddie Hatmaker for reaching this 50 year milestone and for their dedication and commitment to the Town and the citizens they have served, and whom they continue to serve. 

On behalf of all the members of the fire department, I want to express our gratitude for the opportunity given to Bobby and Eddie in 1974. Without the faith put in them that helped make them who they are today, and them being willing to pay it forward, many of us in turn would not be who we are today. Bobby, Eddie, thank you for believing in all of us and giving us the opportunity to serve along side of you. You both have been instrumental in leading us in the right direction and mentoring us. You both have given us a shoulder to lean on, a pat on the back or a swift kick to keep some of us in line! 

To the Stooksbury and Hatmaker families, thank you!  I know there have been countless times that the floors were paced and prayers were said until yours and all the other firemen were home safe. Undoubtedly family dinners, quiet evenings, special events, holidays, honey do’s and many other occasions have had to be put on hold or even go on at home without them while Bobby and Eddie answered the call to serve our community. Again.  Thank You!

Bobby, Eddie, the Town of Caryville is extremely blessed and proud to have individuals like both of you willing to dedicate the knowledge, time and service that you both have for the last 50 years. Keep up the good work and know your dedication and service to your community has not and will not go unnoticed! Thank you again for your service to the Town of Caryville, the citizens we serve and the fire department. 

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/14/2024-9AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

Related