Crime & Safety

Mentor Firefighter Named Blue Coat of the Year

Mike Ulrich received the honor for his work promoting water safety and with the Mentor Fire Department's Dive/Water Rescue Team

When Mentor Fire Chief Richard Harvey recommended the Lake County Blue Coats honor Mike Ulrich as Blue Coat of the Year, he wrote, "When we think of real heroes, we often overlook those like Mike -- the firefighter who works so hard behind the scenes so that we are prepared to serve and manage chaos as if it never occurred. Mike is truly that hero."

Well, no one will overlook Ulrich now. He was recognized as the Blue Coat of the Year last week and joined a select circle of police and firefighters who have made a difference in the county.

Ulrich made his impact as team leader of the department's Dive/Water Rescue Team.

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"Under Mike's leadership, this team provides dive (and) water rescue services to the majority of Lake County and is frequently called to additional areas throughout Northeast Ohio," Harvey wrote in Ulrich's nomination.

Ulrich is also involved in water-safety programs. His relationship with the National Water Safety Congress, United States Coast Guard and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft led to the creation of two DVDs that teach cold-water survival tactics.

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The DVDS have been distributed nationally and internationally, Harvey said.

"Thousands have been distributed to educate civilians, as well as professional rescuers on cold-water dangers and lifesaving rescue techniques," Harvey said.

Ulrich is also a member of the department's Technical Rescue Team, which responds when someone is trapped in a confined space, collapsed building or needs to be belayed to safety.

The chief added that Ulrich has earned the prestigious honor with his attitude, as well.

"He is often seen at the fire station on his days off, doing whatever needs to be done and is willing to go the extra steps to help his fellow man," Harvey said. "He exemplifies quiet professionalism in every sense of the word."


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