Honors and References: Michael Karl McNeil
I am Michael Karl McNeil. Below are the awards I have been given and what people who worked with me put in writing. I quote their words exactly, misspellings and all, and I identify them by initials.
Awards
| Date | From | For |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | United States House of Representatives, Certificate of Congressional Recognition | “Heroic Diligence” and “Unwavering Dedication to the Safety of our Students and Community” |
| 16 June 2008 | 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, United States Marine Corps, Certificate of Appreciation | “Years of Selfless, Dedicated Service and Sacrifice to the Safety of Others” |
| 2006 (period 1 October 2005 to 31 July 2006) | Federal fire, Certificate of Merit | Hazardous materials site cleanup, hazard communication signage, safety data sheet boards, right-to-know stations, training-record review |
| January 2006 | Federal fire, Certificate of Merit | Coordinating fire prevention programs and updating the hazardous materials training program |
| 6 June 2002 | A city government, certificate of appreciation | “For Outstanding Volunteer Service in Station 6” |
| 18 May 2001 | United States House of Representatives, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition | Volunteer service, presented at a city recognition ceremony |
| 6 May 2000 | A city government, certificate of appreciation | “For Outstanding Volunteer Service” |
From fire departments and their officers
W.R.E., Fire Chief of a city fire department, to a fire chief in another state, 18 December 1997:
“This letter is written as a recommendation for Michael Mc Neil who has worked as a volunteer … in fire prevention for the last 7 months.”
“He has been very helpful in doing research for inspections and fire plan checks during this time. He has also participated in inspections and tests of various fire prevention equipment.”
“I feel that he has been a great help to our department and would recommend him for these duties at this time.”
G.P. and A.R., Fire Captains of a city fire department, to the president of the volunteer firefighter association, undated:
“This letter is to inform you that we strongly recommend Volunteer Firefighter Michael McNeil be accepted into the … Volunteer Firefighter Association as an active member.”
“He is one of our top responders in terms of number of calls and number of hours put in.”
“A CHP Sargent has commended him for his actions on a TC incident that he came upon on his way home from a class.”
“Michael has no past or current disciplinary actions pending.”
“He has been an asset to the station during his probation and we are confident that he will continue to do so as an active member.”
L.H., a city Fire Captain and community-college fire technology instructor, to the National Fire Protection Association, 4 December 1999:
“I will proctor Mike McNeil for his exam for fire prevention officer.”
“It would be my pleasure to monitor Mike as he challenges your test.”
T.H., Fire Captain of a county fire department, 8 June 2002:
“As a Certified Firefighter and Crew Leader, Mike has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and is my ‘go to’ person when dealing with the Volunteer Fire Company.”
“He takes on the role of Company Training Officer and steps in to facilitate weekly training meetings.”
“Mike continuously seeks out projects, making improvements to the fire station and Volunteer Fire Company operated emergency equipment.”
“Mike always shows respect to his superiors and peers and demonstrates sound decision making on emergency incidents.”
“Another important quality that Mike possesses is his concern for his own personal safety and that of his co-workers. Mike always exercises safe work practices around the fire station and on the fire ground.”
“Mike has nearly completed the requirements to become a Volunteer Fire Apparatus Engineer, qualified to drive and operate an ICS type I fire engine.”
A fire protection district, selecting me as Reserve Fire Inspector, 26 June 1995 (the signature is cut off on my copy):
“Thank you for attending the oral interview last Thursday for the position of Reserve Fire Inspector.”
“We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to attend a two day orientation academy.”
From the engineer and the firefighter who worked beside me
Both wrote to a state natural-resources agency in February 2000. P.M., Fire Engineer, on the 2nd:
“Mike McNeil is a hardworking, intelligent young man.”
“Mike was always willing to assist in any work around the station regardless of the agency involved.”
“I am impressed by Mike’s level of maturity, knowledge, and experience for a twenty-six year old.”
“Your agency would be very fortunate to have Mike McNeil as an employee. I know that you would come to recognize Mike as a valuable asset to your organization.”
R.M.G., Firefighter, on the 13th:
“I was able to observe Firefighter McNeil perform manipulative tasks; conduct daily station activities/training; and interact with his supervisors, peers, and the public.”
“Firefighter McNeil proved to be just as, if not more knowledgeable, than the paid full-time firefighters. He was very attentive, insightful, and eager to take initiative. He accomplished everything he was asked to do with enthusiasm and great attention to detail.”
“He was always very courteous to the public and showed extreme professionalism.”
“I take great pride in my reputation and thus feel confident in recommending Firefighter McNeil for whichever endeavors he pursues. I feel he has good leadership abilities and a positive attitude. I would work with Firefighter McNeil in any situation and hope that I have the opportunity to work with him again.”
From outside the fire service
G.S., Director of Health and Safety for a county chapter of the American Red Cross, 22 November 1999:
“Michael is always professional and courteous. His course evaluations show that his students find him quite competent.”
“I recommend Michael for the Instructor Trainer Program. With his knowledge and expertise, he would definitely be an asset to the American Red Cross.”
R.A.S., Office of the Mayor, 6 May 2000:
“On behalf of the City Council, City staff and residents … I would like to take this opportunity to extend our most sincere gratitude to you for your commitment and dedication.”
“Please accept our heartiest congratulations for your spirit of volunteerism.”
References from my consulting years
S.P., entertainment group, on my work as health consultant to a network television production: testing of staff, crew and on-camera talent was done “consistently and to great efficacy,” the production finished with zero cases on set, and “Mike was integral to this process.”
M.K., board member of a youth football organization, 12 February 2022, on medic services: “He is by far the best medic we have worked with.”
Contact details for references are given on request and with the reference’s consent.
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