WAILUKU — The Goodfellow Bros. manager behind the bulldozers and water tankers rolling to some large brush fires was recognized for years of providing equipment and operators to help fight fires on Maui.

Ray Skelton was presented with the Kahu'aina award during a Maui County Fire and Public Safety Commission meeting Wednesday at Kahili Golf Course in Wailuku, The Maui News reported.

"We want to recognize people that do outstanding service to the county and the Fire Department and the community," said commission Chairman William "Butch" Soares. "To you and your company, we certainly want to extend a thousand thanks for all of your efforts."

Soares also presented a certificate of merit to Goodfellow Bros. for help in fighting the 2,600-acre fire that destroyed two homes as it spread from Olowalu to Launiupoko last summer.

"Although there were many other agencies and departments involved, it was without a doubt the help and support that Ray Skelton and Goodfellow Bros. gave us that prevented this fire from destroying more homes and continuing its spread and reaching Lahaina," according to the nomination by fire Assistant Chief Alan Cordeiro.

Goodfellow employees have attended state courses in bulldozer and other heavy equipment operations during fires to better understand firefighting operations, he said.

"It's about the passion of the people," Skelton said, noting that employees will call to ask if help is needed when they see a fire. "They don't know if it's going to be a cousin's house, their house or a neighbor's piece of property. Everybody wants to come and offer assistance.

"Because of the work we do, we have some heavy equipment that's able to get into places that the Fire Department's just not able to get."

He said Goodfellow strives to be a "corporate citizen."

"This is what Maui is," Skelton said. "If we don't do each of our parts to help, what's Maui going to be? We feel that's part of our responsibility."

Company Vice President Dan Goodfellow, who heads the company with his brother, Steve Goodfellow, said the company response is "just automatic."

"If you see something that needs to be done, you do it," Dan Goodfellow said.

He said Skelton runs the company's Maui operations as island manager and usually is on scene when company employees and equipment are diverted to a fire.

"He will go out and call the key people," Goodfellow said. "Each fire's different. Some might need more water. Some might need more equipment."

He said the company philosophy of helping started with his grandfather during the company's beginnings in the Pacific Northwest.

"We grew up knowing we were always on the emergency list of any agency," Goodfellow said. "Over here, it's more of a volunteer thing. You just need to do what it takes to get the fire out as soon as possible."

For more Maui news, visit The Maui News.