Sheriff Rob Nou presented Deputy Doug Maya with the American Police Hall of Fame silver star for bravery on Oct. 21. The award was bestowed upon Maya for his actions on Aug. 30 when he discovered an occupied, burning recreational vehicle in Friday Harbor and rescued two unresponsive men from inside.

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. Without protective equipment, Maya and entered the burning RV and rescued the two men. He called 911 and stayed with the victims, monitoring their condition until units arrived on scene

The attending physician at the hospital said, “Without the immediate intervention by Deputy Maya, these young men would have died.”

Maya is an eight-year veteran deputy sheriff and a current member of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.

“Deputy Maya’s heroic actions on Aug. 30 uphold the highest traditions of both law enforcement and the fire service in the saving of others’ lives,” said Nou. “Deputy Maya distinguished himself and the public safety professions with his courageous and selfless actions.”