[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE SERVICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER HOBART ERICKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DUNCAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2022

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Mr. 
Hobart ``Hobie'' Erickson of Donalds, South Carolina, who has served as 
a first responder firefighter for over sixty-five years.
  Mr. Erickson began his career as a firefighter in 1965 in New Jersey 
where he served for thirty years, rising to the position of Chief. In 
1995, Mr. Erickson and his wife retired to Donalds, South Carolina. 
After being encouraged by his wife, Lois, Mr. Erickson left retirement 
to serve the Donalds Fire Department where he has since spent 35\1/2\ 
years in continued service.
  In January of 2022, Mr. Erickson turned 95 years old. According to 
the South Carolina Firefighters Association, Mr. Erickson is the oldest 
of 17,000 actively serving firefighters in the state. Although he is no 
longer able to fight fires, Mr. Erickson is a vital member of the 
department where he tends to the fire trucks and answers calls for 
medical assistance. He attributes his health and energy to the 
protection of Jesus Christ and his loving wife. The younger 
firefighters in Donalds look up to Mr. Erickson, and he even exercises 
with them several hours a week. Younger firefighters gather around Mr. 
Erickson to hear his stories and his advice on how to treat others and 
how to be a successful leader.
  Mr. Erickson's selfless leadership has made not only the Third 
District of South Carolina proud, but the entire state of South 
Carolina. His tireless commitment to keep his community safe and 
healthy for over a half of a century is something we should all aspire 
to have. Throughout his career, he has exemplified what it means to be 
a true servant leader. I am confident in the future of first responders 
in my district because of the example Mr. Erickson has set.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third 
District of South Carolina and to honor those who have dedicated their 
life to service, like Mr. Erickson. I wish Mr. Erickson and his family 
many more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________