Meet Your Neighbor Lloyd H. (Hal) Jern, a resident of Oquawka all of his 52 years.
"Hal" is the son of the late Phillip A. and Arlah E. Jern and has three brothers and 2 sisters.
He has been married to his sweetheart, Betty (Joy) Jern for 30 years.
Together, they have raised three children, Troy, Jason and Bruce. They have four grandchildren, Markus, Adam, Gloria and Kayleen.
Hal is a third generation volunteer firefighter and has been the Oquawka Fire Chief for 36 years. He is also the Coordinator for the Union School District #115 Fire Prevention Program, as well as a lifetime member of the International Association of Firefighters and the Illinois Firefighter's Association.
He is a member of the United States Karate Association.
Hal has worked at the O.M.C. Gale Products for 12 years, Lehigh Leopold for 8 years and currently is janitor for the Henderson County Sheriff Department and Courthouse.
"I'm proud to serve the citizens of Henderson County," he says. "I will always be grateful for your kindness and caring."