Kewl Kat Spotlight
“Fireman” Mike is…
An Adventurer!
By SJ.
We were lucky enough to catch Fireman Mike in
between his trips to get his story:
SJ: What Fire Department did you work for and how long
did you serve in the Fire Department?
FM: I was with the Fresno Fire Department for 35 years.
SJ: What was your position in the Fire Department?
FM: I worked my way up through the ranks to reach the
position of Fire Captain.
SJ: What other hobbies are you into?
FM: There were so many memorable moments, it’s hard
to pick just 1…but I was lucky enough to be in the right
place at the right time to rescue an infant from a burning
house who was pulseless and non-breathing. I performed
CPR on her outside of the house and got her breathing
again.
SJ: What's a destination you have on your Livin' Life List
(my term for Bucket List)?
SJ: Do you have a most memorable moment as a
Firefighter?
SJ: Wow…I could only imagine the emotions at that
moment…Did you always want to be a Firefighter? What
got you into it?
FM: Yes, I always wanted to be a FireFighter. My dad
was a Chief for Fresno Fire and it seemed to be the right
job for me as well. I entered the Navy right out of high
school to gain experience in Firefighting. After I did my
4 years I returned to college for a Fire Science Degree.
I was hired in Fresno and the rest is history.... Ha !!!
FM: I have been lucky enough to try just about any sport
that comes along. SUP, fly fishing, backpacking, rock
climbing, golf, windsurfing, snow skiing, snow
boarding… I have always been open to trying new stuff.
FM: My wife and I are planning on spending some time
in Portugal, Spain and France. Driving up the coast and
sampling the wines and food of those regions.
SJ: Tell me a little about your Family?
FM: I'm married to a beautiful lady, Connie. She has
just retired from a teaching career. I have 2 daughters
who have kids of their own. A step-son also with kids.
And a surf family of many that I am grateful I get to
spend time with… in AND out of the water…
SJ: I heard you're a surfer?
FM: I do like to surf !!
SJ: What got you into surfing?
FM: While I was stationed in Hawaii, I lived right at
the beach in Waikiki. So.... I just walked to the beach
and it was the best feeling in the world.
SJ: And how long have you been surfing?
FM: I've been surfing for about 40 years…WHOA...
I didn't realize it's been that long!!!
SJ: Dang…almost as old as me…lol…Do you have
a favorite surf spot?
FM: Haha…My favorite spot is a place in Baja that I
can't name. Let’s just say it's magic....
SJ: Do you have a memorable surf moment?
FM: The first time to this place I just mentioned, it
was just 3 of us. It was non-stop for 10 days. PERFECT.
3
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