Best of the Best
FDNY’s Mike Hayes is FireRescue’s Company Officer of the Year

Captain Michael C. Hayes of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Ladder Company 28 is the recipient of the 2009 FireRescue magazine Company Officer of the Year Award, which was presented to him on Aug. 28 at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas (watch the award presentation).

Hayes’ career in the fire service began when he was just 16 years old, and he’s come a long way since. Those who nominated him for the award noted that “When you meet him, you immediately got the impression that he was the complete company officer package: loved the job, loved the firefighters, dedicated to training and to protecting those that he was sworn to protect. He was personable and interested in meeting other firefighters from other departments and learning how they did things. There was no off-duty for this guy.”

Capt. Hayes was recognized for his excellent leadership, commitment to safety, dedication to the fire service and community involvement.

Before the award presentation, FireRescue Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach spoke with Capt. Hayes about his career, what qualities he thinks make a successful company officer, and how volunteer service enhances career success. Listen to the interview on the FRI blog.

FireRescue congratulates all those who were nominated for the Company Officer of the Year, and thanks those who took the time to nominate deserving company officers.