The Officers and Members of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department mourn the loss of Deputy Chief Jimmy Hook.
James Thomas Hook was born to Donna and Tommy Hook on March 29, 1966, and grew up along with his sister, Brenda, in Berwyn Heights. He attended Parkdale High School and joined the BHVFD in 1986.He has one son – Tommy, who is currently 11 years of age. Young Tommy would often frequent the fire/EMS station with his father and desires to follow his father footsteps to be a Fire fighter.
He joined the HVFD in 2001 and was serving as the Volunteer Deputy Chief at the time of his death. He had attained his tenth year of membership at the HVFD just this month. One of the many highlights of his membership at HVFD was serving as the chairman of a committee to design and purchase a new heavy-duty Rescue Squad.
While a member of the BHVFD he was a live-in member, served on the Board of Directors and attained the rank of Captain. His father, Tommy, was a Volunteer Chief and Life Member of BHVFD. His Mother, Donna, is a Life Member of the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary.
In 1990, Hook was hired as a County 911/police dispatcher. His final position with the county was that of a Fire Dispatch Supervisor in 2008. Jimmy was instrumental in the transition of Bureau of Fire/Rescue Communications becoming one integrated Police/Fire/EMS/Sheriff known today as Public Safety Communications.
Jimmy Hook passed away on the evening of Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at Laurel Regional Hospital where he was taken after suffering a medical emergency.
Funeral Arrangements
A Fire Department Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 1st at
1900 hours at the Bunker Hill Fire Station, located at 38th Avenue and
Rhode Island Avenue in Brentwood, Maryland. The approximately 60-90
minute memorial service will be followed by a remembrance reception at
the same facility.
Attendees are encouraged to wear Class A Uniforms if available or
traditional business dress attire. There is going to be very limited
parking for apparatus other than on-duty local departments during the
service. We strongly encourage attendees from stations to car pool if
possible.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund for Jimmy’s 11-year-old son
Tommy will be established by the HVFD in the coming days and we will
post that information online and via email when available. Any flowers
that are sent should be delivered Tuesday ONLY to the Bunker Hill Fire
Station Reception Hall, 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD
20722-1434.
Other than the public memorial service Tuesday, the family has asked
that departments otherwise respect their privacy during this trying
time.
The Officers and Members of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department
would like to extend our thanks to the many local and area
departments, organizations and individuals who have lent their support
and offers of support over the last two days.
Any general questions, please contact the HVFD at (301) 883-7701, or
email HVFD President Dave Iannone (dave at hvfd.com)
Messages for Jimmy
Jimmy, It’s a Honor to be your Mother. I will always be Proud to call you my Son.
Heaven got another angel today. My big brother, My buddy, My friend from the day I was born. My heart aches. God has wrapped his loving arms around you, rest easy brother. Your comrades have the watch from here.
The world has lost a hero today… My best friend and the father of my Tommy… I learned so much from you and not a day will go by where you wont be on my mind and in my heart.. I miss you and i love you always… RIP my Jimmy….
Our hearts go out to the Hyattsville VFD and the family of Jimmy Hook
at this time of sorrow. We have always thought a lot of Jimmy and the
entire Hook family. I remember when he joined the Berwyn Heights VFD
and moved into the Bunkroom. As you know, his Father was Chief 14 some
time ago and Jimmy quickly rose to the position of Captain.
I only had the opportunity to meet Chief Jimmy Hook once, and just a
few weeks ago when I visited Hyattsville. My thoughts and prayers go
out to my brothers in the Beltway, Jimmy’s family and especially his
sidekick Tommy — who is a great Run-to-the-Curb kid.
PGFD / Hyattsville VFD / Berwyn Heights VFD truly lost a special
person in the fire department family today. Fireman Jimmy Hook will
truly be missed…a friend and mentor to many of us. I learned a lot
from him when I was starting out. I ran my first call EVER in the fire
service with him on Truck 14…crew was Pete Dupree, Mike Dewey,
myself, and Jimmy Hook in the back of Truck 14 going to a Laurel Box.
R.I.P. Jimmy…
Rest easy Chief, you made a great impact on all of our lives and we will forever be grateful of that.
Jimmy, you were the one that pushed the envelope with me coming to work those many hours at PSC. You made that happen. You truly have touched many people in your short time with us, and we will continue to cherish the Hook stories. Jimmy, rest in peace my friend, you will truly be missed..
You’ll be missed Hook. It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with you. Rest your head my friend. Seeing you go is tough but you’ve done your share. RIP
RIP Jimmy. It was an honor, my friend.
RIP Brother. Can’t wait to hear you dispatch the big burner when I reach the other side.
Today I looked into the sky and it was beautiful. I then realized it’s because you are there. You fly with the angels but part of you will always be with us. R.I.P Jimmy – it was a pleasure knowing and working with you …
