AHMEEK, MI— The American Legion Department of Michigan has selected a Keweenaw County firefighter as its 2024 Firefighter of the Year.
Assistant Chief Michael Defina is with the Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. American Legion officials say his application stood out because of his 40-year career and his ability to obtain grant funding to modernize the fire department.
Defina’s grant-writing efforts enabled the department to replace its vintage personal protective equipment, put all new equipment on the fire truck, and purchase a new rescue truck outfitted with the Jaws of Life.
He also became certified to teach Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer 1, 2 and 3, and teaches those courses throughout the state.
Assistant Chief Defina will be considered for a central region and National Firefighter of the Year award presented at the American Legion's national convention in New Orleans this coming August.
