Michael Hartzell, Volunteer Firefighter

Here’s Sheila Harley with the latest installment of “Meet Your Volunteer Firefighter”…

Michael Hartzell – Ron Garner photo

Michael Hartzell grew up in Friday Harbor. He is the chef for the Cask and Schooner and has been with them since their opening. Mike is married to Rachel (also grew up in Friday Harbor) who is the Referral Coordinator for Dr. Burk Gossom.

He has been with San Juan Island Fire Rescue for 5 years and has served in many capacities. Although he has been trained in all aspects of beginning and advanced fire fighting, his favorite roll is fighting structural fires as a hose man. “Its more fun!”

Mike has recently taken an Incident Command System course to keep up on firefighter strategies and he will be assisting in the training of the new Wildland Firefighter 2 class to be held here on the Island June 21/22 and June 28/29 noting that there are several opportunities within the department to broaden one’s horizons. He definitely recommends recruits attend this class as a great introduction to firefighting.

He also joins structural firefighter recruits to the State’s North Bend facility as part of the recruit’s training.

Mike’s involvement with San Juan Island Fire Rescue began when he decided to join his friends in looking for something exciting to do and look how far he has come!

Great news from Mike is that he and fellow firefighter Brandon Baney have passed the exams to become an Emergency Medical Technicians. Congratulations!

San Juan Island Fire and Rescue welcomes interested persons to drop by the Station on Mullis Street or phone 360-378-5334 for information on the up-coming Wildland Firefighter 2 class and more.

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