It is with great sadness that I adjourn tonight’s meeting in memory of one of our local heroes – Los Angeles Country Fire Captain Michael A. Shepard.
Michael was born on February 28, 1955 and passed away on January 23, 2019 at the age of 63 in an automobile accident on Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, just north of Fire Station 132, where he was stationed.
Michael grew up as a California native in the San Fernando Valley with his two brothers. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He also enjoyed outdoor activities including running, hiking, traveling and fishing. He was as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army before becoming part of the Fire Department’s international urban search and rescue task force, responding to major disasters as a technical rescue specialist.
His wife, Cathy, issued a statement remembering his as a “dedicated husband, father and fire captain.” She continues, “He was the source of love, comfort, protection and joy to the entire family. It is with grieving hearts that we have lost him, but we are forever grateful for each minute we spent with him.”
He will be remembered by friends and his wife Cathy, six children Christopher, Clinton, Conni, Joseph, Nicole and Vincent, and seven grandchildren. He will be missed.