Hasil named 911 director of the year.

Ray Hasil

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

WEARE TWP. — Ray Hasil has been the director of Mason-Oceana 911 since February 2013, but in that short time he has made an impact locally and statewide. Recently, he was named the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials’ Public Safety Communications Center Director of the Year.

Hasil was nominated for the honor by Cyndie Miller, director of Newaygo County 911.

In her nomination letter, Miller stated, “Ray balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to the views of others.  Since becoming director, he has sought input from dispatch staff when a crisis or new development occurs, and keeps everyone in the loop on current events involving the center.

“He is a proud member of the Pentwater Fire Department, where he has assumed various leadership roles, believing strongly in the value of the brotherhood.”

She added, “Ray enjoys the continued camaraderie of the dispatch staff, while gaining and maintaining the respect of his position.  He is fair, and uses good judgment when dealing with a task that involves staff or agency complaints.

“Over the last 30 years in the dispatch world, I have met many caring, compassionate people, who want to help and serve others.  Ray is like many of us, wearing different hats, sharing similar values and personalities.  Yet he quietly stands out, with his unassuming manner and amiable demeanor.  From the first hello, you sense this is a person of great intelligence, who is not only approachable, but humble.  He actually listens; he seeks input from others, weighing options on decisions.  Ray reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for his own actions; and follows through on commitments.  His leadership ability is evident, and he exemplifies the word ‘brotherhood’ in his dealings with others in his field.

“While new directors often face the challenge of filling the shoes of their predecessors, Ray has emerged as a shining example of leadership and drive.  In his own words, “The 911 center is a dynamic environment embracing an old adage; if you’re not moving forward you’re falling behind.’  “Ray will continue to be the catalyst for change in the 911 world, and under his protective wing, his associates will flourish as he leads the way.  I consider myself blessed to be amongst his constituents.  I believe Ray has demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct, and performance in the line of duty.  Ray Hasil is worthy of the Michigan APCO’s 2014 Public-Safety Communications Center Director of the Year award.”

Hasil said receiving the award was a “pretty cool surprise.”

He described the past year as a difficult one for him personally and professionally. Early into his tenure as director, Hasil had to have emergency back surgery, an issue he continues to deal with. At the same time, he discovered the 911 center faced a financial crisis that could only be solved by raising more revenue or eliminating staff.

He has been overcoming his back issues and the center successfully passed an operating millage in August.

Hasil credits his staff, though, for being the real winners of the award.

“The 911 staff is dedicated to their job and to the safety of the public,” Hasil said. “Most of our staff volunteer in the community.”

Hasil is originally from River Forest, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. He moved to Pentwater in 2003. He and his wife, Dayna, have three daughters, ages 3, 9 and 11.