Governor's Award honors volunteer firefighter

Sisters-Camp Sherman fire district volunteer emergency medical response (EMR) firefighter William Hayes was honored with an award for outstanding service as the number-one responding volunteer. On Thursday, April 24, he found himself receiving the Governor's Volunteer Award, handed to him by Kate Brown, secretary of state, at the Salem Convention Center.

The 2014 Governor's Volunteer Awards recognized outstanding volunteers from all reaches of the state who improve their communities in a variety of ways, from helping foster children find safe, permanent homes to providing public access to library services in a cash-strapped rural county.

The team of judges awarded eight state-level awards and 24 regional awards this year, for a total of 32 awards. They went to 22 individuals or duos and 10 volunteer programs.

"I am honored to be recognized by the governor's office for my volunteer service. After 20 years of weekly training and responding to calls, through sometimes sad and difficult situations, I still enjoy being part of emergency services," said Hayes.

"It was a nice surprise for me to have our Sisters-Camp Sherman fire chief, Roger Johnson, sitting at our table during the award ceremony to show his support."

Each regional volunteer that was honored with the Governor's Award also received $425 that went to their charity of choice.

"Since my wife, Sana, nominated me and her place of employment is BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond, it was obvious to me who I would name as my charity," said Hayes.

Hayes began his active career as a volunteer firefighter over 20 years ago, when he and his wife lived in the Eugene area.

"When we lived in Eugene, my father-in-law and brother-in-law were both volunteer firefighters. Sana thought that I needed a hobby, maybe to get me out of the house a bit, so she suggested that I volunteer at our local fire department. I did, and got hooked as a volunteer firefighter," recalled Hayes.

Hayes and his wife moved to Sisters in 2005, and Hayes immediately stepped up as volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver to help save lives, share knowledge, and fill in for staff in the Sisters-Camp Sherman fire district.

During the 10 years that Hayes has been with the fire department, he has gotten out of bed as many as three to four times per night to respond to calls. In 2013, Hayes gave the most hours of any volunteer at the department, responding to 425 calls. He also teaches other firefighters how to rescue victims from crumpled vehicles and takes part in community events.

"Besides being a volunteer firefighter, I also work part-time as a mechanic at the Sisters-Camp Sherman fire department," said Hayes.

"I am grateful to live in a community where I know that if I am ever the one in need, there will be others to help me. For now, I'm just paying it forward."