My name is Hailey Fuller, I was born in Coeur d’Alene, ID. I started working for the Forest Service the day after high school graduation. I started as a wildland fire fighter. I put myself through college at the University of Idaho, where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science. I continued working with the Forest Service, trying to work my way up the ladder to better positions. Along the way, I have lived in many states on the west side of the Mississippi, with a small stent in Georgia for the Federal Law Enforcement Training. I was stationed in Salida, CO right after that. I met Roy Williams for the first time, on the top of Monarch Ski Resort, outside of town, in late 2017.

 

Having had the privilege of getting to know Roy Williams on a personal level and working with him, I deeply appreciate the foundation's commitment to honoring his legacy and supporting causes close to all our hearts. I feel extremely honored to be serving as a board member for the Roy Williams Foundation.

 

As a dedicated Law Enforcement officer with the National Forest Service, I have consistently strived to make a positive impact within my community and profession. At the beginning on my career I was out to prove to myself and others that I would be an excellent law enforcement officer. I was working long hours, making arrest, getting convictions on cases but over-all becoming jaded and saltly. Many law enforcement officer and mostly likely veterans can relate to this.  However, after the loss of Roy, my career was projected onto a path I would have never imagined for myself.  I found myself helping people instead of arresting them, I found an empathetic side of me, and best of all I found my passion of helping others. This side of me has cultivated my biggest achievement of my career and of my personal life.  

 

After Roy completed his suicide, I instantly started signing up for trainings that would better prepare me and give me the knowledge on how to help those in need. Those trainings consist of but are not limited to; having completed trainings with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). Both basic and advanced Crisis Intervention Stress Management (CISM), suicide prevention strategies, and strategic responses to critical incidents. Additionally, my Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) certification further enhances my ability to handle challenging situations with empathy and effectiveness.

 

In my darkest hours I realized that peers who continued to check in on me and help walk with me down my path, were the reasons I continued to push on. Due to that realization myself and a co-worker have successfully established and are currently managing a peer support team comprised of law enforcement officers. This team plays a vital role in providing assistance and guidance to colleagues facing various challenges within our profession. Through these efforts, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that effective peer support can have on individuals and the wider law enforcement community.

 

Furthermore, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the Casualty Assistance Program and Crisis Intervention Stress Management Coordinator for Region 6 of the Forest Service, which encompasses Washington and Oregon. In this capacity, I have developed strong organizational and coordination skills, ensuring the provision of timely and impactful support to those in need.

 

Not only did Roy have a huge impact on my life, but other veterans who I have had the opportunity in getting to know have changed the way I look at life and the struggles in which we all face. Some people face rockier roads than others, some struggle with PTSD, like myself, some are in the darkest hours. Wherever you are at, always remember you are never alone. I wholeheartedly believe that we can help you through your biggest challenges.