We are: Equaled by few, Exceeded by NONE!
Sadly, one of our own who constantly exemplified the very meaning of this motto has answered his last alarm, passing in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24th 2008
Friday, June 27th, Captain Mike Mays was laid to rest at the Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505
CROSS STREETS: Scotch Moss Lane & Fern Rock Drive
Key Map Location: 538Y - MAPQUEST:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Pasadena&state=TX&address=8501+Spencer+Highway
GULF COAST FIREFIGHTERS ASSISTANCE BENEFIT
IN HONOR OF "MAD MIKE" MAYS
FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE, GOLF TOURNAMENT, SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, DUNK A COP, SILENT and LIVE AUCTION,
SEPTEMBER 6th, 2008 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
PASADENA RODEO GROUNDS
7601 RED BLUFF (@ Creekside Lane)
PASADENA, TEXAS 77505
FOR INFO: FFr. HEATHER HASKINS: 281-380-4350
PVFD invites Mike’s fellow Firefighters, friends, and family to E-Mail their words of encouragement and favorite stories to info@pasadenavfd.com
MY BROTHER.....
Mike, we have all been blessed by your presence, love, and encouragement.
In every sence of the word; firemen are brothers; and you treated them all as if they were. You inspired people to become better firemen through training, both on and off the fire ground. Inside or outside you kept it together.
Mike, I thank you for helping little brother out. You have taught me many things... whether it be in life or the fire department. I have to say it has been an honor and a privilege to call you my big brother. Nothing makes me prouder than to say to everyone I know, " Hey, this is brother Mike!"
You fought hard, bubba and I am very very proud of you! Save some room for me up there bud... you can have first line I'll ride plugs. You will forever be with me, Mike. Rest easy now and your little brother loves you sooooo much!
I'll see ya bubba,
Jeremy
MICHAEL MAYS- FRIEND, BROTHER, AND FIREFIGHTER.
For those of us who were privileged enough to know and work with Mike, we will forever be grateful. Mike has the indelible quality of persistence and a never give up attitude even when the odds are stacked against him. Mike has a passion for the fire service and dedicated his very being to becoming the best firefighter he could be. Mike is always concerned about his performance and the performance of his fellow firefighters whether in Houston, Pasadena or Channelview.
We had many heart to heart discussions regarding both our concerns over the training and tactics utilized at every fire. Mike is a stickler for training and tried to share as much knowledge and experience as he could with his fellow firefighters. Mike is intense but calm under fire. He is mature beyond his years with his instincts and insight on the fire ground. I have had the privilege to work with some of the best fire fighters in the world and Mike was well on his way to becoming one of those firefighters.
Michael, it has been my honor to have served as your Chief, to know you as brother, and to call you a friend.
Lanny W. Armstrong, Fire Chief
City of Pasadena Fire Department
FROM A BROTHERHOOD OF MANY, BUT INDIVIDUALS ALL, THANK YOU, CAPTAIN MICHAEL MAYS
In my four years of membership in this fire department, I have learned much about life, living, and people.
The first couple of years, one settles in and hopefully finds a place where they fit in and are comfortable doing a job that is sometimes absolutely exhilarating and sometimes incredibly tragic, but always rewarding. In a very short period of time, if you are paying attention, you learn who you can depend on and feel comfortable following into any situation. Even though your senses of concern are heightened, you find a great solace and comfort knowing that those certain people, who stand out from the rest, will watch over you and lead you through the path of the greatest safety while you do a dangerous job at a moments notice. Michael Mays is one of those guys. He has been a leader among leaders in this department and never once have I ever heard him speak poorly of a person’s character. Leadership by example of this caliber is rare, and of the utmost value in any of life’s journeys.
I am not only proud and humbled to have been mentored by Michael but I am also a better first responder and human being to have been in his presence during some of my most trying of times. I will always have a vision of Michael sitting atop a roof of a burning building only smoldering now, due to his extraordinary and heroic efforts. Though we all go and do these jobs as a team, Michaels talent was to be in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing to make things better, always.
With a thankful greeting and a heavy heart, I write this for you Michael on behalf of a department that is better for having served with you as an integral part of it. Your dedication to us, love of your job and courage to go the distance no matter the circumstance are what each of us can only aspire to emulate. Surely, God has shared you with us and we recognize as a whole, that we are richer for His generosity.
Jay Leatherwood, Firefighter
Station 8, Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department
A QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANT
How much more could one give of themselves to protect others? The Mays family itself has a great history of public safety, but its standout is you, Mike.
As a paid Firefighter, he has worked hard at his vocation to protect the public for “peanuts” in comparison with those who work as industrial or corporate Firefighters or safety. He also volunteered his time and expertise as a firefighter to the citizens of his home community. As if that was not enough, he did what many would not do; become an officer in the volunteer fire department. That means more responsibility and for no pay, no fire SUV to drive, just job satisfaction. A stand up guy to begin with, he stepped up, and not surprisingly, was voted in as Captain.
Even as he battled cancer, he always worked with the same tenacity, always leading from the front, and when the job was done, was quick with a smile. As a firefighter, I would have gone anywhere with him. That is my best tribute to a fellow Firefighter. As a photographer, I always sought him out at a scene, because no matter what he was doing, he looked professional and did it right.
No matter which station, full time, part time, or volunteer, I’d bet his boots are the largest to fill.
All God's love to you and yours, Cap!
Christopher A. Ebdon, FFr, IT Officer
Station 8, Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department
AN INSPIRATION
I just want to thank all of you for keeping my cousin Michael in your
prayers. I am volunteer fire fighter for a local fire co in Delaware and i am so
glad to see all of your words as to the awesome man my cousin has turned into. He is an inspiration to everyone.
Michael is my HERO.....
Laura Smith, FFr.
TO A FRIEND AND A BROTHER,
I appreciate everything you've ever done for me. You taught me the meaning of brotherhood and what it means to be a true firefighter. It's not just about putting water on fire, it's deeper than that. It's about being a genuine person that is there for a complete stranger no matter what. We definitely had some good times and maybe one day we can do it again. There's a lot of people that truly love you as a brother (in blood and from the brotherhood we call ourselves firefighters), a son, and a fiance... and are praying for you.
It's very hard to write this e-mail, so let me close in a prayer...
Within these dark days I hope you will find peace from a Higher power, because no matter what happens, I know He has a reason for everything. I pray that His guiding light heals you in both body and spirit. I pray for your family and I hope you are comforted by the amount of love surrounding you. I pray for your recovery and I pray that God will lay a peaceful hand upon you to sooth your pain. God bless you Brother.
Richard Thornton, Firefighter
Station 8, Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department
IN MY HEART FOREVER
I wish I could be their to hold your hand and tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you. You will be in my heart forever.
Love always,
Aunt Wanda, Bear Delaware
A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE WITH YOU
I have four years of membership in this department. Since the first day in the academy, you, Mike, were like a rock, doing whatever needed to be done. I have tried to be like you, pushing myself when I thought I couldn't go on. You are the true definition of what firefighter means. I feel it an honor, or more like a privilege to serve with you.
Lt. Jacob Rushing (603) Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department
STRENGTH
One word seems to best describe Michael. You've had the STRENGTH to make it through any hard times that life has brought you. You've had the STRENGTH to be an incredible Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Fiance. You've had the STRENGTH to excel at a profession that we know takes a STRONGER than average person. And now, faced with the toughest battle of your life, it's no surprise that you are once again showing amazing STRENGTH. Mike, I'm proud of you, and I love you.
Your Cuz,
Ray Mays, FF/Paramedic
San Antonio Fire Department.
ALWAYS READY TO GO
AS A MEMBER OF THE PASADENA FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PAST 28+ YEARS, YOU SEE A LOT OF FIREMAN COME AND GO. THERE HAS BEEN VERY FEW THAT LEAVE A VERY BIG MARK ON THIS DEPARTMENT AND MIKE IS ONE OF THE FEW. IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO KNOW THAT THE CALL THAT YOU WERE RESPONDING TO, MIKE WAS RESPONDING ON A STATION 3 TRUCK. YOU KNEW THAT MIKE WOULD BE WORKING HARD AND LOOKING OUT FOR ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS THAT WERE THERE. WHEN MIKE WAS TAKING A BREAK FROM ALL THE HARD WORK AND THEY NEEDED A RELIEF CREW, HE WOULD BE THE FIRST ONE TO STAND UP AND SAY "I AM READY TO GO"!
THAT WAS THE TYPE OF FIREFIGHTER HE WAS, ALWAYS READY TO GO.
I AM HONORED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT WITH MIKE AND FIGHT FIRES WITH HIM. HIS KNOWLEDGE AND CALMNESS AT FIRES SPOKE VOLUMES OF HIS LOVE OF BEING A FIREFIGHTER. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OF MIKE AND TAKE WITH ME. I AM PROUD TO CALL MIKE A FRIEND, FELLOW FIREFIGHTER, BUT MOST OF ALL, CALL HIM A BROTHER.
GOD BLESS YOU, MIKE, AND KEEP YOU IN HIS PROTECTIVE HANDS.
JOHN LYMAN, FIREFIGHTER
STATION 4, PASADENA FIRE DEPARTMENT
YOU ARE ON OUR MINDS
Michael,
You are on our minds and in our hearts tonight.
Uncle Danny and I were just looking at the pictures of you and Jeremy when you were little boys. You had spent the night with us and I took a picture of you, Jeremy and Jerry pretending to be sound asleep. The big grins on your faces gave you away. It is so hard to believe that you are all grown men now. We are so proud of the men you all turned out to be.
You should be very proud of yourself Michael, for all of the accomplishments you have achieved in your young life and all the people you have helped. You are a man of respect of which you deserve.
Uncle Danny says to tell you that Big Foot is still around.
We love you very much.
Uncle Danny and Aunt Loraine
MY BEST FRIEND
What else is there to say about Mike that hasn't already been said?
I feel it is a privilege and an honor to be able to say I that Mike was my friend. He was like a big brother to me. Not many got to see the side of Mike that I was able to see, and it's a shame that more weren't given the chance to really get to know the man that Mike was. He would do anything to help you, ask nothing in return, and has done that for me on several occasions. I always considered Mike my big brother, and will always consider him my big brother. Those of us that got to fight fire with Mike know that when things started to get scary, you could always count on him to stick in there with you, and he wouldnt leave without ya. Mike lived for the fire service, and he has definatly left his mark on it. As someone said, I know his boots would be the hardest to fill. He taught me alot, and I owe my success as a firefighter to him for taking me under his wing. Mike was never selfish, and never one to put himself ahead of others. It sounds rather cliche, but I honestly believe Mike was put on this earth to fight fire. Like I said, when he was on scene you know it was going to be ok. I believe I am a better firefighter, friend, and person because of Mike.
This is very tough for me to write this, because of how close Mike and I were, so I'm going to wrap this up by saying, I love you Mike, I will carry you with me in my heart for the rest of my days, and I know that your in a better place. I will see you again my brother, just not yet...
Will Baugh, Firefighter
Station 4, Pasadena Fire Department
I WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH
Mike has been a friend, and I will miss him greatly.I will have comfort in knowing that he will be with me and many others on every bell we answer. The term is gone but not forgotten, will take on a new meaning for me I trained and fought fires with mike and have gotten closer to him over the last couple of years. Hopefully all will get comfort in knowing he is in a better place. Cant say much more than that, other than to say I love you, and will forever miss you.
Goodbye brother!
Chris Baker, Fire Fighter/Safety Officer
Station 8, Pasadena Fire Department
A GUIDING LIGHT
We may not have known Michael personally; however the words expressed here demonstrate that he was a guiding light for mankind and the fire service, a leader of strong moral character and integrity.
To his family, Thank You for allowing us the opportunity to share some time with this man.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and the members of Pasadena Fire Department.
Raymond S. Cook, Chief
Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department
FIRST IN AND LAST TO LEAVE
First one in and last to leave would be my way to describe Mike. It never failed if something had to be done, he was there to do it or be right beside someone.
Mike was an incredible person, one hell of a firefighter, and leader. Captain Mike demonstrated his abilities and so much more; leading, following, or just being there to have someone to talk too. Mike was always the last firefighter out, and just when you thought you were tired and leaving the building, you would see him still working and it made you want to keep on going to be beside him, knowing action was near by.
Mike, thanks for all the memories and lessons you taught me and all the others. You will so greatly be missed, for today the world has lost one of it’s best and heaven has received a great leader and a brother to many.
Look over us brother for we will be thinking of YOU.
Chris L. Green, Firefighter/Supply Officer
Station 8, Pasadena Fire Department
LOST, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Mike, last night I set in the back of engine 31 enroute to the apartment fire thinking not of what we might encounter, or what could or might happen to me, but, "Damn i wish mike were here"! I remember my first fire with you; we pulled up on a house fire and it was burning; smoke blowing out the front, and you said with no hesitation, "You Coming? Can we put this shit out so we can get the hell out of here!?!" It always stuck with me. I remember thinking this man just aint right! He walked up to command then came back and said, "Lets go". We walked into this burning House and he's yelling, "take out this ceiling here and here". All I could think was, What the hell did I get myself into" and "Where the hell are we", and "Damn it's Hot!" What ceiling? I couldn't even see my hand much less a ceiling. I felt he knew what was going on in my head because he came back and said in my ear, "This is the floor, that is the ceiling, take it out!" Man, did I feel Like a jackass! Once I got started pulling down the sheetrock and saw what he was trying to do, it all made sense.
I always remember one thing about him, and that was this man knows his shit, and would have taught you anything in his spare time if you'd just ask. I can probably tell you many stories about our fire but, you know, more than anything, I wish you were there last night with your crew on Engine 31 last night. I know we all missed you very much last night. I know if you could of been there you would of with that monotone voice E-n-g-i-n-e 31 on scene. Man, words just can't say what you've done for all of us at the station. You had such an impact on my fire fighting skills. I am honored to have had you first as our liutenent, and then as our Captain.
I hate to say good bye so I'll say see ya later my friend, My Captain and My brother. I'll Miss You! BFM
Jerry Martinez, Firefighter
Station 3, Pasadena Fire Department
PASADENA FIRE NEW GUARDIAN
Mike,
I remember the first day I meet you, when you attended the Pasadena Fire Dept Academy.
I was thinking to myself, this guy knows what he is doing, and will be one hell of a firefighter. I was right. You are one hell of a firefighter.
I had the privilege of fighting many fires with you here in Pasadena. Like everyone has stated, you were always a hard worker and never quit until the job was done. At drills you help me
remember some of the old basics along with some new ones when we trained together.
Both you and I had something in common we both come from a long line of tradition with our families being in the fire service.
I will always cherish the few times we spent drinking a beer or just talking about fire where ever we were. You will be missed deeply give them hell up there and I know you will be looking down on all your brothers and sisters in the fire service.
You will be in my heart and will be missed.
Jason Andreno, Firefighter
Station 5, Pasadena Fire Department
"I AM A FIREFIGHTER JUST LIKE YOU"
His name is Michael Allen Mays. Also known throughout the fire service as MAD MIKE MAYS, but most of the time it was just Mike. A loyal servant of his community and his love for firefighting.
Shortly after Mike was awarded the Captain’s position at Station 3, a few of us were hanging out at the station after a late call and I made the mistake of addressing him as “Captain Mike.” He looked at me with this mean stare and all he said in his gruff voice was, “NO!” I returned a hurt and irritated look to him and immediately thought… “What a jack-ass! Here I am respecting his position and in turn he was disrespecting me. Oh hell no!” So, I asked him for an explanation. He responded very simply with, “I am a firefighter just like you. The only difference between us is they gave me a pretty red helmet to wear.” And then he smiled. It was at that moment, I had met the true Mike Mays.
Mike, you will never be forgotten. You will be with us on every scene we are called to, watching over our every step and protecting all of us as our most sacred guardian angel. Mike, I am privileged to say that we all lost a brother, one hell of a firefighter, and a great friend. I cannot say goodbye. So I will say, “See ya later my Brother, my Friend, and my Mentor.” We will miss you.
Heather R. Haskins, Firefighter, Sister
Station 8, Pasadena Fire Department
MIKE, I'M GOING TO MISS YOU, SON
YOU WERE A GREAT FIREFIGHTER , A GREAT FRIEND AND MY CAPTAIN . I LOVE YOU SON. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
JIMMY GILCHREST, FIREFIGHTER,
STATION 3 "MIDTOWN'S BRAVEST",PASADENA FIRE DEPARTMENT
A PART OF YOU WITH ME
MIKE,
EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE GONE, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PART OF YOU WITH ME BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY. REST EASY NOW, YOU DESERVE IT. DON'T WORRY, MY MOM WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.
I AM GLAD TO READ EVERYTHING PEOPLE HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT YOU. I AM VERY PROUD TO SEE WHAT KIND OF MAN YOU BECAME. I WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN MY HEART. LIKE JEREMY SAID, SAVE ROOM FOR US UP THERE.
CHIP SANCHEZ
WONDERFUL MAN AND COMRADE
My Dear Chet & Family,
Arlinda sent me the link, and it is with great sadness that I write. May God comfort you at this very sad time. I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful man and comrade. No matter how far family is away, our hearts are connected.
Michael will always be with you in spirit and in your hearts. May God bless you in this difficult time with His grace. Your Canadian Cousins. Barbara McNish and Irene Brandow (Eva Hetherington’s daughters Nellie Black’s granddaughters)
In His Service,
Barbara McNish, Woman Counsellor
Mary's House Coordinator
Mike,
Even though I didn't know you at all, I am deeply saddened by your death. Your legacy will never die and I will try my best to remember your legacy.
Casey Ward Jr.
Mike's MeM, Making everlasting Memories site:
http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2504640
Michael's family has set up a benefit account at the Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Union to help defer the medical expenses. They will donate any money that may be left over to renal cell research at Baylor College of Medicine. The account number is 231314.
4200 Kolb Street Hou, Tx at Peterson Street near I-10 in the Heights
A fund has been set up for Firefighter Mike Mays at the Woodforest National Bank. This fund is to assist his family with expenses related to his bout with cancer. Any amount will be greatly appreciated by the family. You can go to any Woodforest National Bank location and state that you would like to donate money to:
the Michael Mays Benefit Trust Fund.
Locations in and around Pasadena :
WALMART at 5200 Faimont near Beltway 8
WALMART at 9025 Spencer at East Blvd. in La Porte
WALMART at 9598 Rowlett at I-45 near Almeda Genoa Rd.
1001 Pineloch near El Camino Real Drive
150 West El Dorado near I-45
OR LOCATE ONE NEAR YOU ON THEIR WEBSITE:
CHILDREN’S GAMES and ACTIVITIES, LIVE MUSIC and D.J.,
LOTS OF FAMILY FUN!
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