Michigan American Legion Sets Date to Award the Firefighter of the Year to Ahmeek’s Michael DeFina

The Calumet American Legion Post 61 proudly announces that Ahmeek Assistant Fire Chief Michael DeFina was selected as the Michigan American Legion Firefighter of the Year. Earlier this year the organization announced the DeFina as the firefighter of the year. But still needed to schedule an award ceremony to mark the achievement.

DeFina has served the community’s fire department since moving to the area with his wife in 2019. Previously he worked for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department in several leadership positions. While serving as the Acting Battalion Chief at Regan National Airport on September 11th, 2001, he was one of the earliest first responders on the scene at the American Airlines Flight 77 crash into the Pentagon. In the days following the 9/11 terror attacks, DeFina continued his service while involved in incident management, rescue operations, fire suppression, and recovery efforts.

While with the Ahmeek Fire Department DeFina’s charge to keep his community safe remains the same. In the past few years, he has led the department’s efforts to secure over 1,000,000 dollars in grant funds for personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatuses, and a rescue truck. He also serves on the Keweenaw County 911 committee and as chairman of the Keweenaw County Fire Training Committee.

An award ceremony to present the Mihcigan American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award to DeFina has been scheduled for June 6th at the Ahmeek Fire Hall.