The EMS community lost one of its contemporaries on Sunday, Oct. 13 when industry leader Mike Smith, chair of the Tacoma Community College EMS program and a well-known EMS speaker, died of a heart attack in his home.
Sources say Mike was transported by EMS from his home to a local hospital where he succumbed to a myocardial infarction. He was 61 years old.
Mike was a prolific writer and presenter. His leadership in EMS education was well known and he served as a role model to many new EMS professionals and instructors. He wrote articles for JEMS and EMS magazines, lectured at EMS conferences through the USA and Canada, and wrote for textbooks.
He was renowned as a ‘giant’ in the community for both his physical size and his larger-than-life personality.
From a tribute we published by his good friend John Sinclair, Mike began his career as a firefighter in Harvey, Ill., and become one of the first paramedics in the early 1970’s. From the south side of Chicago, he moved to Iowa to teach, and then settled in Washington to take over Tacoma Community College’s paramedic program.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia and two grown children, as well as a new granddaughter.
Funeral information
Mike’s memorial service is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at the University Place Presbyterian Church, in University Place, Wash.
Mike’s family has asked for help collecting photos of Mike for a slide show they are preparing for the service. A longer slide show will run post-service. They can use whatever you have, but Sylvia says she’d particularly like anything lighthearted. Please send photos to: Teresa@McCallion.biz
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mike Smith Paramedic Scholarship Fund, at Tapco Credit Union, 6312 – 19th Street W., Tacoma, WA 98466.
For those traveling from out of town, hotel recommendations include:
- Courtyard Marriott in downtown Tacoma ($149/night posted rate)
- Holiday Inn Express on Hosmer St. in Tacoma ($101/night)
Local fire department personnel are providing transportation to and from the airport and the service. If you need a ride, call Russ McCallion or Carla Vigna at East Pierce Fire and Rescue, 253-863-1800.
Don’t forget to share memories and stories about Mike on www.lifestory.com.
