An Arizona native, Mike grew up in Kingman, attended college at Northern Arizona University before serving in the U.S. Army. In 1973, Mike moved to the Valley of the Sun to pursue an education in fire science. Mike earned an A.S. degree in Fire Science from Phoenix College and a B.S.degree in Industrial Training & Supervision Cum Laude from Arizona State University. Mike joined the fire service in 1974 with Rural/Metro Fire Department and advanced through the ranks to serve as the Chief of Operations in Maricopa County before moving to the same position in Knox County, Tennessee. After 21 years, Mike retired from Rural/Metro and has been the Fire Chief for the City of Cottonwood since 1995. Mike is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, served four terms as President of the Verde Valley Fire Chiefs Association and two-terms President of the Associated Firefighters of Arizona. Mike is Past President of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association and currently serves as a Regional Director and as a Director on the Arizona State Fire Training Committee. Professional affiliations also include the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Community participation includes Yavapai Community College and Valley Academy for Career & Technology Education Fire Science and EMS Advisory Councils, Verde Valley Little League Board Vice-President, Verde Valley Boy Scout Committee Member, City of Cottonwood youth basketball coach, Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, Verde Valley Ambulance Board of Directors, and B.P.O.E. #468. Mike has been married to Debbie for 35 years and they have two boys, age 23 and 20.