Mike joined the Elmwood Park Fire Department in 1977 as a volunteer firefighter. Started full-time in 1981. He was appointed fire inspector in 1983. Tested for the rank of lieutenant and ranked # 2 promoted 6 months later in 1985. In 1990, he tested for the rank of captain ranked # 2 again and promoted immediately.  In 1995 appointed deputy chief until 2003 then appointed chief of department. Finally, retired in 2012 after 35 years of service.  His heart problem hit him out of the blue, but the arteries were clogged enough to require stents to keep them open.