— Submitted photo

Captain Brandon Hayes, right, was named the Firefighter of the Year for 2016 by the Webster City Fire Department Saturday night. He’s pictured with firefighter Don Wills. Hayes has been department member for 25 years. He served as interim fire chief for about six months as the city conducted a search to fill the position. He was also successful in obtaining a grant to fund new pagers as well as writing other grants to update needed department equipment. In addition he was credited with working with the city to create a smooth transition for the new chief.