Michael Hill: More Than a Firefighter

When he was 9 years of age and residing in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, Michael Hill experienced that moment when he knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Seeing fires being put out daily was something that sparked his interest, not to mention being inspired by his Tonka Toys fire truck.

As an adult, Mike was mentored by Chief Eric Strong, who joined the Chicago Fire Department before he did and proved, by example, that it was possible to be a firefighter and attend school at once. While he was in college, Mike got the opportunity to join the department, where he gave 32 years of service up until his retirement as a lieutenant last month.

Some of Mike's greatest rewards include working for the City of Chicago; having the means to help others; being able to assist his high school friends and their families during difficult times while on location; and, last but certainly not least, being able to do things for his Mom.

The advice that Mike would offer to an aspiring firefighter is to continue their educational process, including fire science and public safety. Also, they must be trained to respond to a medical crisis. "It goes beyond just fighting fires. It goes into the medical aspects of helping people," said Mike. "The biggest thing is getting the education, applying it, and being fair with people." For him, it is not just about saving lives, but being compassionate and serving people of all walks of life.

There are a number of things Mike will miss about being a firefighter; but most of all, serving the people and being with his co-workers. Being a big kid at heart, he will also miss the snowball fights with the public, going through the red lights, and hearing the sirens.

Some of the greatest lessons that Mike has learned, as a firefighter and in general, are to have perseverance; develop a service mentality; go beyond service and follow through at all costs; and never leave a situation unanswered, no matter how difficult it is. "That applies to the rest of my life: helping people, personal life, business life, family life. You have to keep going."

What's next for the newly retired Michael Hill? He will continue to teach martial arts at Kuk Sool of Chicago, which he opened in 1990. Mike is also looking forward to getting into farming to start growing food, expanding his martial arts career, and volunteering with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also plans to use his martial arts school to assist young people and address the attack on the community in reference to women and children. He wants to use the African-centered MAAFA training to help build confidence, focusing on the physical, mental, spiritual, psychological, and emotional aspects. He would like to expand this movement to include dance studios, workout centers, youth centers, Chicago Public Schools, etc.

When asked if he had any final thoughts, Mike offered these words: "Heart! Head! Hand!" Those of us who have attended Percy L. Julian High School in Chicago understand this very well. Integrity of character, acquisition of knowledge, and development of skills are all necessary components to personal development in order to succeed in any aspect of life. I am confident that Michael Hill will continue to live by this model as he embarks upon a new chapter in his life.