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Enjoy the
detailed story behind our homepage spotlight!
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SAC Basic Fire Academy graduate, Michael Bilek, was
awarded the United States Coast Guard Air Medal, the second
highest non-combat military award, for his heroic efforts during
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. At the time,
he was an active member of the United States Coast Guard as an
aviation survival technician and was assigned to a rescue
helicopter squadron, which rescued 98 victims of the hurricane
during September 2005. On numerous occasions over many hours, he
was lowered to balconies and on rooftops to safely evacuate
citizens stranded by the rising floodwater.
During the 2006 SAC fire academy graduation, U.S. Coast Guard
Lt. Commander Marshall Branch presented the U.S. Air Medal to
Michael for his noble actions. The medal is awarded to any
person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed
Forces of the United States, distinguished himself/ herself by
meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
Along with the Air Medal, recipients are given a certificate and
a citation that explains what the honoree did to receive the
award.
The U.S. Coast Guard citation given to Michael read: “He was
immediately immersed in the chaos and confusion caused by
Hurricane Katrina as he was hoisted to the ruins of an apartment
building where he rescued three elderly women and two young
girls. With no room left in the helicopter following the rescue,
Petty Officer Bilek remained in the rescue basket, which dangled
perilously in the open doorway of the helicopter, connected
solely by his physical grip.”
Being completely humble about the honor, Michael explained that
the opportunity to provide assistance is something that he feels
good about because he likes to help others.
“The fact that I was able to contribute at the hurricane site
doesn’t make me different,” expressed Michael. “It just means
that I was able to help given my life’s circumstances.”
Transitioning from a member of the U.S. Coast Guard to being a
member of the SAC Basic Fire Academy was a smooth road for
Michael, as both job functions require wit and courage. He chose
SAC, home of the largest and oldest fire technology program in
California, to complete his training because he heard it was
rated one of the best in the nation.
“Graduating from the SAC Fire Academy gives me an edge over
others because of the college’s reputation of producing good
quality professionals,” stated Michael. “SAC has a long
tradition of educational excellence and being part of it makes
me want to work that much harder.”
He will be returning to SAC to complete his associate’s degree
in fire science next spring.
Currently, Michael is seeking full-time employment as a fire
fighter and is going through testing with numerous. He also is
working full-time at UCI Medical Center in the emergency room as
an Emergency Medical Technician, doing what he does best –
helping others. |
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