Fire chief keeps the mission in mind
Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Mike Becker believes keeping the mission of his fire control district during these trying times economically is vital for the residents of Estero Island. He emphasized this point and more as guest speaker at the monthly Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Nervous Nellies Crazy Waterfront Eatery Thursday.
Becker, who joined the fire department in 1989 and was promoted to fire chief in April 2006, is in charge of administrative and technical duties of the FMB Fire Control District, which averages a record-breaking 4 1/2 minutes in response times.
September marks the final month of the current fiscal year, and budgetary issues as well as a new collective bargaining agreement between the district and the two fire unions take center stage.
“What’s most important to us is the mission we have to our community,” said Becker, who moved to Southwest Florida at age 5 from London, Ontario. “I want to make sure as we move forward through these very, very changing times that we keep this “World’s Safest Beach” title front and center, so that people will come here and enjoy the same things I remember growing up.”
Becker recalled being a shift commander during Hurricane Charley and proudly mentioned the addition of more than 100 volunteers in the Community Emergency Responses team and start of the Explorer 1001 youth program.
“It was challenging time then, and I try not to forget those experiences,” he said about 2004’s hurricane season. “Our ability just to fight fires has changed to things we never thought about like terrorism and combating infectious diseases unlike ever before. So, the confidence level of our job has increased.”
Becker, a state certified fire fighter and paramedic, said the commitment for his department to get the job done and keeping its staffing are stronger than ever. He holds degrees in emergency medical services, public administration and human resources, and is pursuing a doctorate of education in organizational leadership.
“Please don’t be misguided that some of these budget threats and economic impacts we are facing is going to weaken that force,” he said. “We are passionate about making those tough decisions ahead of us.”
The fire district has an election in November with three seats opening up on the Board of Fire Commissioners, which serve as his bosses.
“I didn’t become chief without following orders,” Becker joked. “Our greatest strength is our ability to adapt and overcome. As a community, we are very strong.”
Becker said emergency medical services is 96 percent of the fire department’s duties. This fact is important come spring when the Beach quadruples in population size due to the high-traffic tourist months, and the local district fields 20-25 calls a day.
“I am deeply honored to serve this community that I grew up in,” said Becker.
Florida Gulf Coast University President Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw is expected to be the chamber luncheon speaker next month (Oct. 14).