From Humble Beginnings

In September 2021, then Fire Chief Dee McCluskey received several calls from community groups looking to support local families during the holidays. While aware of the generosity in Heber-Overgaard, Chief McCluskey also noticed an issue: some families were left without assistance while others received help from multiple sources. This sparked a meeting of over 50 community leaders—including citizens, businesses, religious groups, and municipal organizations—to address the misallocation of resources.

From that gathering, the Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network (HOCRN or “Ho-crin”) was born. HOCRN was established on February 22, 2022. Fire Chief Dee McCluskey and local Realtor, June “Sassy” Call took the lead and together co-founded HOCRN (Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network). Fire Chief Dee McCluskey serves as an advisor to HOCRN while June “Sassy” Call was elected president of our HOCRN board. Both Dee and June continue in these roles today. As local resources and outreach efforts combined, a clearer understanding of the community’s needs emerged. Today, HOCRN continues to grow, fueled by the enthusiasm of over 100 volunteers, all dedicated to supporting the community. Everyone is welcome to join and make a difference.

A Tribute: IN MEMORIAM, Fire Chief William D. “Dee” McCluskey, HOCRN Co-Founder
A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Community

It is with heavy hearts that HOCRN shares the passing of our Co-Founder, Fire Chief William D. “Dee” McCluskey, on December 26, 2025.

On February 22, 2022, Chief Dee joined with local Realtor June “Sassy” Call to establish the Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network (HOCRN). What began with a simple vision—bringing people and resources together to better serve our community—has grown into an organization and network of volunteers dedicated to helping our neighbors throughout Heber-Overgaard and the surrounding communities.

From HOCRN’s earliest days, Chief Dee was much more than a co-founder. He was a confidant, sounding board, trusted advisor, and invaluable resource to the HOCRN board. As the organization grew and new programs were developed, his experience, common sense, and commitment to service helped guide HOCRN forward.

Chief Dee understood something that remains at the heart of HOCRN today: a strong community takes care
of its own. His commitment to service extended far beyond HOCRN. Through his leadership as Fire Chief and his many years of service to Heber-Overgaard, Chief Dee made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. He was someone our community could depend upon, and his dedication set an example for those who follow.

In 2024, HOCRN established the Fire Chief William D. McCluskey Scholarship in his honor. The scholarship is presented to an individual who exemplifies the standards of service, character, and commitment demonstrated by Chief Dee and who is pursuing an education in fire science, emergency medical services (EMT), or a related profession. It is fitting that Chief Dee’s name will continue to be associated with young people preparing for careers dedicated to helping others. Through each scholarship recipient, his example of service will continue into the next generation.

Chief Dee did so much for the Heber-Overgaard community, and he played an important role in building the foundation upon which HOCRN continues to grow today. His influence can be seen in the organization he helped create, in the volunteers who continue its work, and in the neighbors whose lives are made better through service to one another.

We are grateful for his leadership.
We are grateful for his friendship.
We are grateful for his service.
Chief Dee will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever remain a part of HOCRN and the Heber- Overgaard community.
Fire Chief William D. “Dee” McCluskey
HOCRN Co-Founder • Community Leader • Friend • A Life of Service

Goals

  • To provide information/coordination of our community resources with a central information hub (without directing or modifying the individual missions of the aligned groups) with the goal that “no one will be overlooked” in our community.
  • To provide emergency, urgent, and non-emergent resources to the fire and law enforcement communities operating in the Heber-Overgaard area.
  • To support area educational outreach with four HOCRN scholarships each year from funds generated from our expanded thrift store.
  • To further expand the HOCRN Thrift Store and other funding sources to provide financial support in extreme emergencies.