Firefighter of the Year

Captain Michael "Mickey" Taylor

Fire Bureau Chief Joel Aranaz, Fresno City Fire Chief Randy Bruegman and Program Chairman Tom Wright.

Each year the Exchange Club of Fresno honors the outstanding Firefighter of the Year as determined by the Fire Department of the City of Fresno. The Firefighter of the Year program was started in 1966 by then Exchange President Pete Hauck. This year we are proud to honor Captain Michael Taylor..

Our firefighter, Michael Taylor, started his career in the fire service in 1980 as an Explorer with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In 1984 he was appointed as a Firefighter with Cal Fire. He stayed with Cal Fire until 1987 when he was sworn in as a Fresno City Firefighter.

He was promoted to Firefighter Specialist in 1992 and to Fire Captain in 1996. He transferred to the fire Prevention Division as Deputy Fire Marshal and Supervisor of the Department's Investigation Unit and then subsequently to the rank of Provisional Bureau Chief in charge of Fire Prevention.

In 2000 he returned to the field to his current assignment as an Engine Captain as well as being an Acting Battalion Chief.

Throughout his career, Capt. Taylor has participated in a number of special projects, including assisting the training division with terrorism response, and personnel accountability. Captain Taylor established Department Policies and Procedures allowing for the legal use of "Save & Sane" fireworks in the City of Fresno. In addition, Captain is fluent in Spanish and has also served the City of Clovis as a reserve Police Officer from 1988-1998.

When not at work. "Mickey" enjoys golfing (has a single digit handicap), travel, and spending time with his wife Danielle (who is a Fire Captain with CalFire) and their two dogs, Fluff and Woody.

Captain Michael Taylor and wife Danielle.