SHELBY — Mike Thompson is set to leave the fire station and return to the classroom by the end of summer.
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag announced Monday evening that Thompson, chief of the Shelby Fire Department, will be retiring in the next few weeks. The chief’s last day at the station will be July 31 and his final official day with the city will be Aug. 12, the mayor said.
“Chief Thompson has invested 24-plus years in our fire department — selflessly serving the citizens of our city and the residents of Jackson and Sharon townships,” Schag said.
Thompson has served as the department’s chief since April of 2015.
“Since that time, he (Thompson) has done a commendable job as an innovator and one who inspired others through his servant leadership,” the mayor said. “It has been my pleasure and privilege to work alongside Chief Thompson since he took the reins a decade ago.
“He leaves behind an honorable legacy of a dedicated firefighter, advanced EMT and chief. He truly will be missed by those who know him best.”
Thompson excited for ‘new challenge’
Thompson will still have an important role to play when it comes to training first responders.
He will be leading Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s new first responder program this upcoming school year — leaning on his background in education.
Thompson has about eight and a half years of prior teaching experience, along with time spent teaching part-time at EHOVE Career Center, he said.
“We’ve got to pass this knowledge on (to students),” the chief said. “I’m lucky enough to have a pretty good knowledge base with the workings here in Shelby.”
According to Pioneer’s website, the program will provide students with “hands-on training in emergency medical services, fire rescue and law enforcement,” while equipping students with the skills and certifications needed to make a life-saving impact in their communities.
Thompson said he hopes he can convey the importance, love and passion of being a first responder to his future students.
“It’s definitely a lifestyle,” he said of the career. “This is not a 9-to-5 job. This is not a 40-hour-a-week job.
“You’re going to be up at all hours of the night (and) you’re going to be doing some things that are pretty uncomfortable when you really don’t want to do it.
“But it’s a job that has to be done.”
Schag said Pioneer “could not have chosen a better person” to lead the new program.
“Chief Thompson has a teaching background, an extensive knowledge base from his shared experiences with our police department and emergency room personnel, a talent for engaging audiences, and a real desire to inspire young people to seriously consider a career in the various fields connected with public safety,” the mayor said.
“I consider his selection as a compliment to his family, the Shelby community and schools and our fire department.
“On behalf of our city and our fire department, I want to sincerely express my appreciation to Chief Mike Thompson for a stellar career and his invaluable contributions over his long tenure in public service.,” Schag said.
“We wish him the very best in his life and in this new venture as an influential instructor and community partner.”
‘In 24 years, you see about everything’
During his more than two decades of service with the Shelby Fire Department, Thompson has helped battle several fierce blazes and dealt with the aftermath of natural disasters.
From major flooding in numerous years, including 2007, 2011 and 2013, to an F2 tornado in 2019, the chief has accumulated decades of knowledge from firsthand experiences to pass on to future first responders.
“In 24 years, you see about everything,” he said. “It’s hard to give it up, but I’m excited about my new venture and I want to thank everybody for all the help.
“From the Milliron family to the firemen, my family, the administration (and) council. I never did any of this on my own. We all had a part in it.”