Volunteer Spotlight: Mike Norman

Name: Mike Norman
Title: Retired Chief, senior Firefighter, Life Member
Department Name: Bastrop Fire Department Inc.
Location: Bastrop, TX

Why are you an NVFC member?
Membership in NVFC gives me a voice in the national dialog.

Why are you a volunteer firefighter?
It has become a life long habit. It started from an invitation from a volunteer at a fire scene when I was 21 years of age. It has grown into a lifelong passion of service, brotherhood, and dedication to each community I’ve lived in.

How long have you been in the fire service?
Since 1971.

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My first “burner” – Christmas Eve 1971, in Pasadena, Texas. 1st in pumper arriving to a well involved single wide and being pushed up the front steps into the front door by Lt. Ricky Soles. Knocking the fire down and feeling like I had slain a dragon.

September 2011, the despair of watching a wildfire consume miles of beautiful forest and thousands of homes of neighbors, friends, relatives, and strangers. The complete and utter helplessness, watching and being unable to make any difference.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
As Fire Chief, I led a petition drive and political effort in 2007 to create an Emergency Services District to fund fire protection in the rural areas surrounding our city. Since then, serving as one of five volunteer Commissioners of the District; we have improved fire protection by adding many apparatus for structural, wildland, and interface firefighting. We have funded extensive training and certification of our firefighters through the Texas State Firefighter and Fire Marshals Association and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The battle continues to provide security from fire for our citizens, tax payers, and guests to our area.

* Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.