News

On Thursday, 26 May 2022, Michael O’Brien graduated from the New Castle County Fire School. Mr. O’Brien was in a group of students that launched with 22 and concluded with 18 graduates. This was an accelerated 17-week fire class that subjected Michael to Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Rescue Techniques, and Water Rescue. Michael was the lone candidate from Sussex County, Delaware.

Mr. O’Brien is Pro-board certified and is currently an EMT. This is unprecedented for MVFC to have a member accomplish all these courses in a 4-month period on his time and traveling to New Castle County for the schooling. Throughout this training, Michael continued to work part-time as an EMT with the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company.

He hails from the Staten Island Borough of New York City and is the son of a retired FDNY lieutenant. It is obvious where he gets his motivation, good parents. Mr. O’Brien is 22 years old, resides with his parents in Ocean View, and aspires to become a career firefighter in a metropolitan fire department, but remains a resident of Ocean View. He joined MVFC in November of 2021 and is a graduate of St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science of degree in psychology. Mr. O’Brien desires to enter leadership positions.

I questioned Michael on what he ascertained from the fire training, other than fire-related. Michael replied, “it created a foundation whereby I gained a unity in teamwork, we learned to help each other progress during the class. This ethic has spilled over to my personal life.”

EMT Chief John Watson stated, “Michael demonstrates the dedication and knowledge to become one of MVFC's best”

Fire Chief Guy Rickards added, “Mr. O’Brien exhibits all the necessary, and more required to become a leader in the fire service.” 

Welcome aboard!!

Tony Petralia, Public Information Officer, MVFC