BRAZOS, N.M. -- The community turned out last Sunday to honor their long time fire chief, the man primarily responsible for building the fire department in the canyon here.
Next week, they will bury Michael Hays.
About 48 hours after the celebration, Hays was killed in an explosion in his beloved Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department.
Realizing fire protection was important, Hays helped acquire a used brush truck. "We had the truck before we had a station. So, we kept it in a member's garage," said Chief T.J. Allard.
"He helped us get the building constructed, and accredited. He was a leader in getting our ISO rating," the chief said Thursday afternoon from a mobile command post located adjacent to where the station stood.
Although Hays was turning over the white helmet to Allard, he was going to remain active. There was no question in anyone's mind about that.
It was that dedication that brought the former chief to the station on Tuesday, Allard said. "He was committed. I think he was sending a letter to the fire marshal, and was probably there doing that or getting a stamp."
The blast that blew parts of the metal and wood building over a wide area brought neighboring fire companies. Two of Hays' fellow firefighters found him moaning in the rubble, and freed him.
"They were talking to him while waiting for the ambulance," he said, adding that his predecessor died in the clinic in Tierra Amarilla.
Allard was out of town when the explosion occurred.
"I'm glad I stopped at a firefighter's house and saw the pictures before I got down here," he said. "I'm glad I had a bit of a warning of what happened."
In addition to leveling the station, the blast also damaged four homes.
The team of investigators involved in the probe included New Mexico State Police, ATF, state and county fire marshals, said Mateo DeVargas, wildland and EMS coordinator.
DeVargas said the team has been picking through the debris the past two days looking for clues.
As EMTs, Hays and his wife, Mona, were counted on to provide emergency care to members of their community. "They were our EMTs, and worked with the clinic too."
The company responds to EMS calls with first responders who treat the patients until an ambulance arrives.
There has been an out-pouring of support for the little department. Allard said members appreciate the kindness.
On Thursday afternoon, he managed to drive the old '71 pumper out of the station. They had been raising money to replace it.
The tender was still buried in debris. An SUV used for rescues and EMS transports from remote areas and an initial attack brush vehicle also were damaged in the blast.
Allard said while he has had offers for vehicles, he has no where right now to house them. "They have to be in a heated building."
The chief said he is confident that the station will be rebuilt. "We only have 20 members on the roster, but everyone here is committed. We have very solid volunteers."
He also said the community has always been supportive, and has already had offers from residents who are ready to pitch in.
Firefighters from Laguna Vista, Chama and, Tierra Amarilla are handling the calls in their district.
Allard said people considered Hays the backbone of the department, and vowed that they will push forward to get a new station.
"All the organizations used our meeting rooms. We were a focal part of the canyon. And, we'll be back. I promise."
Funeral Information
Services for former Brazos Canyon VFD Chief Michael J. Hays will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, at 10:00 a.m. at El Mason Church (Assembly of God Church) in Chama, New Mexico. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe.
He will be honored with a procession of fire apparatus. For more information, or if you would like to participate, contact Dwayne "Bubba" Merritt at (505) 929-2456 or (575) 588-0014.
In addition to the many requests for assistance received by the Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, a fund has been established to assist his wife, Ramona Hays. Cash donations may be made to the Michael J. Hays Memorial Fund in care of Bank of America, P.O. Box 247, Chama, New Mexico, 87520. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact Paul Schultz at (575) 588-9527.
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