Building wheelchair ramps stems from a ‘servant’s heart’

Writer: Stephanie Hutto

Fred R. Hiers is known to many in his hometown of Bamberg, South Carolina. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1991 after 30 years of service, a job that put him in touch with people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds throughout the community.

His love for people, an expression of his Christian faith, led him to discover a need for help in the area of building wheelchair ramps. His experience building the first ramp for his mother in 1988 began a ministry that is still going strong today.

Hiers, along with then fire chief and Bamberg High School classmate Billy Drawdy, worked together to build a ramp for one of their fellow firemen in 1989, and the ministry has continued to grow. He has worked with many organizations, including Trinity United Methodist Men’s Club, Salkehatchie Summer Service, and the Bamberg First Baptist Church youth group to meet needs and improve the quality of life in the community.

He said he is grateful that the Lord has made him able to help and grateful to be building the ramps for someone else instead of having to have one built for himself.

At the age of 83, he still participates in the directing of ramp-builds, supplying tools, pulling trailers and doing the measuring and figuring required to order supplies and efficiently complete the building process.

He has had many fellow volunteers in the ramp ministry, including Pam Hutto, a friend who says the best part of working with Hiers is that “he has a servant’s heart, and he is doing it for the glory of God.”

Hiers also includes the youth of First Baptist Church, with whom he worked during a summer camp to build six ramps — the most he has built in one week. The total number of ramps he has constructed over the years is estimated at more than 400, and Hiers plans to participate “as long as the Lord will let me.”

Many construction-technique improvements — like using stanchions to replace in-ground posts, decking boards and bolts for longevity, and recycling ramps by taking them apart in sections — have developed over the years. These changes have improved the quality and helped cut costs. The typical cost to build a new ramp is $500-$800, although there is no cost to the recipient.

Jim Kemp is now in charge of First Baptist’s ramp ministry, as Hiers’ health does not allow him to do as much as he would like. But Hiers’ heart is still in the ministry. When asked what he would like to see in the future, his reply was that this “worthwhile ministry be carried on and continue to grow.”

Anyone needing to be considered for a ramp in the Bamberg community may contact the First Baptist Church office at 803-245-2453. Donations to the ramp fund may be sent to: First Baptist Church, 11823 Heritage Highway, Bamberg, S.C., 29003.