Fallen Firefighter

By Jeremiah Norrell, El Dorado DAT Volunteer Coordinator

Some of you may have heard about the unfortunate passing of Shingle Springs firefighter Michael Hallenbeck who died fighting a lightning –caused fire south of Echo Summit on August 8. I knew Michael or Mikey as he was called. He was a great kid… light-hearted and fun to be around. It is a tragic and sudden loss for his family and for our community.

Last week, the Red Cross was invited to support the procession for the 21-year-old fallen hero by Georgetown fire Chief Schwab. We were honored and said yes right away.

The procession was held on Thursday, August 13 and American Red Cross volunteers and staff were happy to be there and offer canteening support with coffee and danishes at the stating areas for the procession in South Lake Tahoe and brought some of our Emergency Response Vehicles to showcase how much we care.

Thanks to the Placer and Sacramento DAT Teams as well as the El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club that Mikey’s father is a member of for coming out and demonstrating gratitude and solidarity to this local hero and his family.