Mike Yanz

Let's see. I've had numerous jobs in the last 20 years, from McDonald's to MIS director to fireman/paramedic. I attempted college for a short time but found it not for me. I was more of a work and learn kind of guy. It served me well for a number of years.

I married Pattie in 1991 where we followed up with our first bundle of joy, Victoria Elaine in September of '92. Our second gift, Dayton James was born December of '95. Both attend Dansville schools and are in to everything.

Torrie is heading into her senior year. Her teachers seem to really like her. She's outgoing and friendly. She is in to softball, equestrian team, 4H, band, choir, little and big play and assists in coaching a DCAA boys soccer team.

Dayton is hitting his final year in middle school. He's a bit like me and likes to learn by doing. I think his teachers warn each other before he starts the next grade. Dayton enjoys soccer, football, basketball, 4H, equestrian team, band, video and computer games, go carting, fishing and hunting.

In 2000, we had Y2K and I was laid off as many IT geeks were. I found myself unemployed for the first time in 14 years. As job seeker with all kinds of experience but no piece of paper stating I knew what I was talking about it was impossible for me to find a full time job which paid more than $10/hr. I was scraping contract work through my own business and working part time for RS Biomedical repairing medical equipment. (Thanks to all who gave me work during that time.)

Remember, now, college wasn't for me, but I had to make some tough choices. In 2003 at the age of 33 I decided to change careers. I always wanted to be a fireman or a policeman. I completed firefighter I and II in 2001 and decided to start EMT basic class.

Once complete I landed part time jobs with a few different ambulance services. They were all great to give me the chance to work and learn.

Keep in mind, though, an EMT's wage on average is not like winning the lotto. There was no "cha-ching" at the end of the week. At that point I took the EMT specialist course hoping it would make the difference. That wasn't enough either. I had to keep going. So, I took on Paramedic school.

Now let me tell you, my wife says I never had to study as hard as she did in school. This, however, was completely different. I've never had to study so hard in my life! The drug dosage calculations, usages and interactions along with all the cardiac rhythms had my brain screaming for mercy. All the cramming paid off in the end.

In the 18 months I was in paramedic school prior to being hired by Delhi Township Fire I was working 4 different ambulance bases averaging 96 to 120 working hours per week. It helped pay the bills, but I rarely saw my family. They would come to the ambulance bases just to have dinner once in a while.

I've now been full-time with Delhi for 2 years. I enjoy my new career a great deal even though I am the oldest full-timer there and get called gramps regularly.

I guess if life was without trials it would be dull right? And who wants that?

Outside Activities: Ingham County Mounted Division, MIHA 2nd Vice Chair, 4H Leader, Church Trustee, Volunteer Fireman, Army Blue Devils Horse Platoon