A Sacramento native, Mike Reardon was initiated into the fire service through his neighbor, Assistant Fire Chief Ray Sharp, and served as a "Sleeper Fireman" through his high school years. After high school, Mike joined the Roseville Fire Department Volunteers and at the age of 21, became a full-time firefighter, eventually reaching the rank of engineer. Mike maintained close relationships with his firefighting brothers, both at work and in his personal life. One of his favorite activities was participating in the Firemen's Olympic Trap and Skeet Shooting event. Mike enjoyed an 18-year career before succumbing to jobrelated lung cancer at the age of 39.