The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, May 31, 1995                TAG: 9505270183
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN    PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Close-Up 
SOURCE: Allison T. Williams
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD                         LENGTH: Medium:   76 lines

HENRY HACKNEY: FIREFIGHTER AND RESCUER

AFTER 12 YEARS with the Newport News Fire Department, Henry Hackney has learned to expect the unexpected.

But nothing had prepared the member of Virginia Task Force 2, a regional search-and-rescue team, for the six days he spent in Oklahoma City last month digging for bombing survivors in the rubble of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

``None of the footage could have prepared us for what we saw when we got there,'' he says.

Hackney, 31, is one of 10 Newport News firefighters trained for the department's technical rescue team. Team members have gone through intense training to operate the specialized equipment used to rescue people from confined spaces and collapsed buildings.

``I think what impacted me most was thinking about how quickly normal life for these people came to a screeching halt,'' he said recently while relaxing in the living room of his Smithfield home. ``I found myself wondering what they were doing when it happened and what the last thing they had said to their husbands and wives that morning was.''

Last Thursday, Virginia Gov. George Allen honored Hackney, and other Virginia task force members who volunteered to work in Oklahoma City, with a ceremony and barbecue at the Governor's Mansion in Richmond.

In his spare time, Hackney is a lieutenant for the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. He and his wife, Pam, have a 5-month-old daughter, Taylor, and a 9-year-old son, Michael.

What brought you to Isle of Wight County? Cleaner air, less traffic - and my wife wanted to move here!

Birthdate and hometown: Aug. 7, 1964; Hampton.

Fondest childhood memory: Playing in the fire gear of my neighbor, who was a captain in the Hampton Fire Department.

Pets: Two dogs, Katie and Buck.

First job: I was assistant trainer for the Hampton Aces Hockey Team.

Worst job, and why: Kmart - I had to work on weekends while my high school friends were out partying!

Occupation: Master firefighter for the city of Newport News and shift commander for the Technical Rescue Team.

If you had the chance to change your career, what type of work would you be doing today? Why? Teaching. My wife has shown me how important it is to have an influence and impact on children's lives.

Favorite way night out on the town: Going somewhere quiet with my wife to have a nice dinner.

Favorite food and drink: Any seafood; a purple hooter made by Sheri at Smithfield Station.

What's your favorite hangout? Bill's Seafood. Great food!

Favorite movies/TV shows: Old black-and-white war movies and ``Seinfeld.''

Your idea of a perfect vacation: The beach, a cool moonlit night, cold beer, steamed crabs, a campfire, my friends, and no bugs!

I can't resist: My wife.

Few people know that . . . I love chocolate cake batter.

Your most embarrassing moment: Having to tie the chest portion of a rescue knot on a well-endowed female co-worker.

If you won the lottery . . . I'd pay off my debts.

The best advice you've ever been given, and who gave it to you? ``Don't run with scissors in your hand'' - my mom.

The best thing about yourself: My desire to help people in need.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I'd stay right where I am. I'm happy being me.

Of what achievements are you most proud? My position in the Fire Department.

What would help people live happier, more successful lives? To communicate. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ALLISON T. WILLIAMS

by CNB