Christian Peterson
reporter@riverbendnews.org
Sid Hayes didn't always dream about being a firefighter. However, in 1988, he had gone from looking for a job to looking for a career. He had frequently driven past the Live Oak Fire Department (LOFD), but that year was different: he saw an opportunity for a career that could support him and his future family, while at the same time allowing him to serve the community.
For the next 11 years, Hayes worked at LOFD before making a transfer to Suwannee County Fire and Rescue, where he worked for another 10 years. Eventually, though, he returned to his home station and has been there since.
Hayes took some time to reflect on his time as a firefighter and discuss the good and the bad of the role. One of the negatives he spoke about is how the role changes as you grow older. As a young firefighter, Hayes says it is hard to see people deal with the devastation of fire. Then, as a firefighter grows older, they
become aware of how time consuming the job is and miss out on opportunities and events with their own family. However, that doesn't mean the When Hayes was asked about how he felt about his recent promotion he said, “I am excited and ready to move the department forward.” He stated he was initially concerned about taking the position, as he had just entered the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) and only had a year left before he would have to retire. However, that year, the DROP program extended from five years to eight years after signing up, effectively giving Hayes an extra three years on the job before retirement.
“I am excited to see how much better I can set the department up,” Hayes said. One of his main goals is to take the station's current Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of a three to a two. This would be an increase from the station's already incredible score. Hayes made one thing clear about his role as fire chief: “We're going to make sure to remain a community fire department.” He declared that it's not just the role of the fire department to help with dangerous situations, but to be an active part of the community, to be present at events and to be active throughout the community. Hayes is excited about his new position and about keeping the department heading in a positive direction. job doesn't have its pluses as well. “The best part of being a firefighter is helping folks and making a difference,” Hayes said. He continued, elaborating the fulfillment one feels from knowing their job is making a difference for the community, even in ways that may seem small, such as saving irreplaceable photos or other memorabilia for a family.