Why I Joined OWL VFD: Mike Clark- Life Member, Board Member
When did you become a volunteer, and why?
When I was young, my father and grandfather were members at Bailey’s Crossroads VFD. I remember hanging out with them at the firehouse. I moved to Woodbridge in 1963, in the summertime. With my window open, I could hear the old Seagrave tiller start-up and could tell if they went north or south on Rt 2 for a call. It was in my blood; I joined at the age of 16. As a junior, I got my Firefighter certs and EMT at age 18. I wanted to give back to my community I lived in.
What positions in the department have you held? What projects have you been involved with? What have you learned from them?
Positions held; Firefighter, Sargent, Lt., Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief.
Projects; Apparatus spec committee for pumpers, tiller truck, Tower, rescue, fireboat, and light/air units. Learned how Apparatus is made, adaptions to fit department needs. Incident officer course, teaching new younger members what is required to be a good officer for the crews. Driver trainer for all department Apparatus.
Were you mentored? Have you been a mentor? If so, tell us about that experience.
I had several mentors; Ricky Arrington, John McGovern, Kenny Salfelder, Carl Persing, to name a few. Yes, I have been a mentor for many upcoming officers. Teaching them how to be a good and fair officer. Teaching them how to think ahead before you arrive on a call and to be calm. Their initial report sets the tone for the call.
What was/is your “day job”?
Retired from Fairfax FMO (23 years) currently Va Department of Environmental Quality as Remediation Case Manager (dealing with Petroleum releases) For last 12 years, part-time sales of fire Apparatus and fire equipment.
What community involvement do you have outside the department?
While my kids were in Highschool sports booster club, chorus booster club. Boys and girl county lacrosse leagues.
How do you feel your service has enriched your life/your family’s life?
It has changed the way I see people and handle different situations. I don’t take anything for granted. Things can happen to anyone at any time.