33 Year Anniversary of Fallen Firefighter Michael P. McCarthy
On September 12th 1983, Engine Company 27 was dispatched for a kitchen fire in the 7000 block of Berkshire Drive in Company 32’s area. Mike was riding the back step en route to the call. The engine driver had difficulty negotiating the turn onto Berkshire, stopped, and then began to back up, not knowing that Mike had stepped off the rear step. The engine hit Mike, knocking him down, and the rear wheels backed over him. He was pronounced dead at Malcolm Grow Medical Center on Andrews Air Force Base.
Mike had been a member of the department for less than a year. Engine Company 27 is dedicated to Mike, it has changed over several times, but remains dedicated in his memory. Mike was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and served as a security police officer stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. He was in charge of the base’s Emergency Services Team (SWAT). He was born at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and was a 1979 graduate of Penn State University.
Mike joined Morningside VFD on March 18, 1982 and was a live-in member at the time of his death. He was a valuable member of the department, his enthusiasm and devotion to duty made him well liked. He was truly the image of a dedicated volunteer.