Volunteer Spotlight: Michael McLeieer

Name: Michael McLeieer
Title: Director of Community Risk Reduction (retired)
Department: Merrimac (MA) Fire Department
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Why are you an NVFC member?
I’m a member of the NVFC because the organization represents the volunteer fire service as a voice advocating on national-level issues that affect local volunteer firefighters and fire departments. An example of this advocacy and collaboration is the recently introduced Emergency Responder rule through OSHA, which, if implemented, would negatively impact the volunteer fire service throughout the United States. NVFC has been a voice at the table at the National Fire Academy/United States Fire Administration, with OSHA and many elected officials. When decisions are made that affect the fire service, the NVFC’s stakeholders continue to speak up and share their thoughts on how the changes will impact (both positively and negatively) the volunteer fire service.

Another reason for membership in the NVFC is the great training opportunities available to the volunteer fire service. Through the Training Summits, recruitment and retention initiatives, and health and wellness programs, the NVFC continues to offer volunteer firefighters the tools they need to be successful in their local communities.

What is your occupation?
Fire and EMS instructor

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I volunteered for 30 years as a way to give back to the community. We respond when people are having the worst day of their lives.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1995

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My most memorable moment as a firefighter was when I was awarded the NVFC’s Fire Prevention and Education Award in 2016. It was an honor to be recognized by my peers for the major contributions made in Michigan and Massachusetts in the field of fire prevention.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
In Merrimac, Massachusetts, we offered fire and life safety programming year-round in schools and throughout the community. Our efforts were recognized in 2012 for zero fire deaths and injuries year after year, and the effective outreach to children and older adults to change their behavior and improve the quality of life. We also installed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes and conducted home safety visits where they were needed before community risk reduction programs were popular.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at https://makemeafirefighter.org/.