In 2005, through Sawyer's initiative, the Barry Lawrence chapter completed a "Care in Regions" event that encompassed three surrounding chapters. Mike initially met with Fred Hollich Manager of Lutheran Community Services and his staff to request funding. The goal of the program was to place portable defibrillators in as many communities as possible. Many of the rural areas are at least 15 minutes away from emergency medical services. He presented the program of supplemental funds via "Care in Regions" to other chapters and organizations leading them through the process of volunteering and what can be accomplished when together we can make a difference is applied. On completion of the project, defibrillators were placed in six Lutheran churches, two public high schools, one Baptist church and three units in the hands of the Freistatt Volunteer First Responders. With all the fund raisers and supplemental funds from Care In Regions, $17,700 was raised to purchase the defibrillators which accumulated 3,288 volunteer hours. Because of Mike and all of the volunteers raising funds to purchase the defibrillators, Freistatt, MO has more defibrillators per capita than New York City.
Because of this defibrillator program started by Sawyer, other organizations continue the efforts on their own to place units in strategic locations throughout the county.
This was simply the latest effort by Sawyer. He has demonstrated leadership in all his volunteer work and has a tremdous impact on communities and churches in South Central Missouri.
Congratulations Mike, Job well Done!