Powell volunteer named firefighter of the year

Posted 11/24/20

For the first time in Powell history, a volunteer firefighter has been named Wyoming Firefighter of the Year.

Tommy May was nominated for the award by the American Legion Hughes-Pittinger Post 26 …

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Powell volunteer named firefighter of the year

Posted

For the first time in Powell history, a volunteer firefighter has been named Wyoming Firefighter of the Year.

Tommy May was nominated for the award by the American Legion Hughes-Pittinger Post 26 for his volunteer work both with the department and to help feed those in need during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May, who co-owns Smoke Eaters barbecue with Jamie Buck, shut his business and began cooking solely for those in need of assistance this spring. Along with Hickory Street Catering, Virginia Scott of the Point Cafe and dozens of volunteers through Love Thy Neighbor, they served thousands of meals as folks lost their jobs and struggled through the shutdown.

“He always goes above and beyond for his community,” said Post Commander Russell Stafford, who nominated May for the award.

“We felt like he was stepping out above and beyond the normal duties that he would have to do. He has also stepped up and done meals to take care of veterans and some of the other displaced persons in the community. We just felt like he really deserved the recognition. He volunteers at the fire department and, you know, he’s a real community guy.”

May has impressed the crew at the department, earning praise from his fellow volunteers.

“Tommy understands what it means to be a volunteer. Every time there’s a need in the region, he has stepped up,” said Powell Fire Department Lt. Scott Shoopman. “What’s important during difficult times like this is understanding the need to volunteer. While others may not want to or are afraid [to help], especially while everyone is social distancing during the pandemic, some are unwilling to volunteer. But not this guy.”

May has only been on the department for three years, but has made a big impact. He’s is a bit bashful about getting the award, saying others were more deserving. But he loves the community and being a part of the department.

“I love helping any way I can,” May said after receiving a letter of recognition from Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

Being a firefighter is tough in a small town, he said.

“You know just about everyone. When something happens you’re always asking yourself, who is it and how is everyone gonna handle it?” May said. “God forbid, one day it’s one of my kids or someone that’s close to me, because I would be devastated. But I would still do my job.”

He knows a few firefighters who’ve had tragedy hit their own homes and “they held back the tears and their emotions and still did what they had to do to get survivors out.”

May was presented a plaque from the American Legion Department of Wyoming while volunteering to help feed contestants and spectators at a charity event on Saturday.

“He did a lot of this out of his own pocket,” Stafford said. “We applaud Tommy and those helping him and enthusiastically nominated him.”

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