Michael began his career with the Redondo Beach Fire Department in 1980 and served with distinction for three decades. Throughout his career, Michael relished the opportunity to interact with and serve the community and found great personal satisfaction in the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. For five years, he worked in the Redondo Beach Harbor Division as part of the dive team, an opportunity that allowed him to combine his passion for scuba diving with his professional career. He was an avid outdoorsman who also enjoyed camping, snow and water skiing, biking and was known for his commitment to his daily gym workouts. Above all else, Michael was a faithful, family-first husband and father. Michael passed away in 2011 after a battle with job-related cancer