Assistant Chief Michael Defina

AHMEEK — The American Legion Department of Michigan has chosen Assistant Chief Michael Defina of the village of Ahmeek to be the Firefighter of the Year for 2024.

His Nomination stood out from several excellent applications with a 40-year career and his ability to obtain grant funding to modernize the Ameek Villiage Department.

According to Fire Chief Michael Maninga, Michael was able to replace vintage, non-compliant personal protective equipment, including firefighting clothing and self­contained breathing apparatus.

This equipment alone cost over $200,000.00. His grant-writing efforts also outfitted the fire engine with all new equipment and funded a brand new, custom rescue truck with all new tools, including the “Jaws of Life.” This $450,000.00 project was monumental to his community and the surrounding area.

The village of Ahmeek now provides auto extrication, rescue and emergency medical services to a previously underserved area.

Seeing a need for additional instructors in Michigan, Michael became certified to teach Fire Instructor I, and Fire Officer I, 2 and 3, and teaches these courses throughout the state. He has trained fire officers in Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor and several smaller cities to date.

In addition to the state award, Assistant Chief Defina will be considered for a central region and National Firefighter of the Year award presented at the American Legion’s national convention in New Orleans this coming August.

The American Legion is a veterans’ organization that seeks to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities through our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

The American Legion’s vision statement is “The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion believes in honoring and supporting Law and Order as a founding principle of their organization.