More Than A Race-Workout #8: For Lt. Arlie "Pooh" Hill, Whitley City FD (LODD-10/27/2014)

Workout #8

Today was probably one of the best fall days we'll experience here in East Central Indiana. In fact, the last few days have led most of us to believe this is our "Indian Summer". I can't imagine being anywhere else tonight other than outside. I was fortunate enough to run while the sun was setting and even here in Small Town Indiana, the sunsets are amazing. I just kept thinking these are the things we take for granted every day. It's easy to get caught up in our daily activities and forget all that is out there just waiting for us to enjoy.

My run was a little over 2 miles tonight and I walked about 3miles. My time was pretty typical. It felt good to be moving again, because I've been sick for the last 10 days. I was ready to do something besides sleep. While the Indy Mini is still months away, I need to log as many miles as my body will allow! 

Lt. Arlie "Pooh" Hill, - Whitley City Fire Department - Whitley City, Kentucky

As you know each run is dedicated to a hero -- a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or an EMS worker who has died in the line of duty. It was incredibly easy to decide who I would run for this afternoon. Lt. Arlie, "Pooh" Hill of the Whitley City Fire Department in Whitley City, Kentucky gave his life in the line of duty one year ago today, (10/27/2013). I was fortunate to learn much about Pooh while spending nearly two months with his family and friends at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. I dedicate my run tonight to a man who touched my life through his incredible determination and selflessness.

On August 30, 2013, 37 year old Arlie "Pooh" Hill and his brother-in-law, Adam Stephens, rushed to help put out a blaze that had ignited at a house down the street from where they were socializing in the Whitley City area. As the men searched the home, Hill became trapped in a "flashover" in the living room area. Stephens, a fellow firefighter in Whitley City, struggled to get to Hill but was eventually able to pull him from the home. 

Pooh was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Burn Center where he spent 59 days fighting for his life. It was during those days that many of us who were present learned the power of prayer and the true meaning of brotherhood. Pooh eventually succumbed to his injuries on 10/27/2013, and even though he never said a word or moved a muscle, he taught us how to be courageous, work as a team and understand what faith looks and feels like. He not only gave his life in the line of duty, he taught all of us how to be better people. I pray his family, department & community will someday know how their hero touched so many.

The following was taken from the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Biography. Pooh was honored this year in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There is still so much to learn from this man. I am forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.


We all have friends, but have you ever asked yourself what exactly is a friend? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a friend is defined as someone who you like and enjoy being with; a person who helps or supports someone or something. A friend is someone who is attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile, and one who is a favored companion.

On November 7, 1975 one of the greatest friends a person could have was born into the world, Lt. Arlie Hill III, better known as "Pooh". Pooh was born in Somerset, Kentucky to Arlie Hill, Jr. and Ruth (Foster) Hill. On March 11, 2000 he was united in marriage to Sharen (Hamlin) Hill. Together they had two children, Arlie "Kyle" Hill and Taylor Grace Hill.

Pooh was a unique person that never met a stranger, but always making a friend. He could turn anyone's day around with a simple joke or remark. Those who knew him instantly loved him. Pooh made a career as a CNA for the Southfork Medical Clinic and volunteered for the Whitley City Fire Department for over 12 years. He enjoyed helping his community and was well known for being involved in helping those around him.

During his time with the fire department, Pooh was involved in several activities and received numerous training certificates as a first responder through both the fire department and EMS. Pooh was the guy in the crowd that just made life better. Many can recall the stress and pressure of training and Pooh would immediately find the light of the situation, turning any bad time into a more relaxed one. He had pride about making others laugh by poking fun or teasing.

The people of McCreary County quickly learned Pooh’s sense of humor when he began working in the medical field through SouthFork as well as McCreary EMS when he was training to become an EMT. Patients recall their visits into the triage office where Pooh would be the friendly face that made the experience one that everyone remembered. He thought if he wasn’t giving you a hard time and making you smile, he wasn’t doing his job.

Although he was a fantastic person within his community, Pooh's pride and joy was within his home. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and his children. Pooh was a vivid outdoorsman. He enjoyed getting to hunt, fish, and ride his motorcycle with his kids. Pooh was a laid back person, never sweating the small stuff, but enjoying everything life had to offer. He was a simple man and content being who he was, a friend that we all miss and love dearly.