— from Sheriff Rob Nou —
Assisting with the presentation of the award are Orcas Island Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien, San Juan Island EMS Chief Jim Cole, and San Juan Island Assistant Fire Chief Brad Creesy.
At the Tuesday, October 21, 2014 meeting of the San Juan County Council, Sheriff Nou presented Deputy Doug Maya with the American Police Hall of Fame SILVER STAR FOR BRAVERY. The award was bestowed upon Deputy Maya for his actions on August 30, 2014 when he discovered an occupied, burning recreational vehicle in Friday Harbor and rescued two unresponsive men from inside.
Deputy Maya was off duty at the time, and noticed smoke coming from the RV and went to investigate. The smoke was getting darker and thicker, increasing the seriousness of the situation. When Deputy Maya checked the RV he saw two men down inside the burning vehicle. Deputy Maya acted decisively and without hesitation, without protective equipment or tools and entered the burning RV and rescued the two men who were unable to rescue themselves.
It was only then that Deputy Maya called 911 with the initial report of the fire. He then stayed with the victims, monitoring their condition until Fire and EMS units arrived on scene and took over care of the patients. The attending physician at the hospital said, “Without the immediate intervention by Deputy Maya, these young men would have died.”
Deputy Maya is an 8 year veteran deputy sheriff and a current member of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. He has 6 years experience as a volunteer firefighter.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Well deserved~
Congratulations!
We are proud of his brave actions.
Thank you for your dedication to public safety & service. We are in good hands and appreciate you and your comrades.
Congratulations Deputy Maya well deserved.
Wow, you are amazing!