News Release
C STEVENSON
News Release Date: July 26, 2023
Contact: Candy Stevenson, 208.387.5239
Michael “Mike” Schell is the new training program manager for the National Park Service (NPS) Branch of Structural Fire. Mike previously served as the operations program manager, leading the NPS service-wide structural fire protection and suppression program. “I am looking forward to assuming the position as the training program manager for the Structural Fire Program and continuing to work with a great group of people,” Mike states. “The training program manager position was created in 2022 from the combined duties of the operations program manager. So, this is a smooth transition that continues the seamless collaborative work with our partners.”Mike’s firefighting career began in 1990 while enlisted as active-duty military in the US Air Force. His first duty station was at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. After 21 years, Mike retired from active duty while stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan as the Deputy Fire Chief.
Mike served as the first deputy fire chief in the NPS at Yellowstone National Park in 2011. From there, he moved to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID to serve as the operations program manager for the Branch of Structural Fire.
Mike has extensive knowledge of teaching and firefighter training. He holds degrees in Fire Science and Administration and teaching. He is a former Department of Defense Louis F. Garland Fire Academy instructor and instructor supervisor. He also taught firefighter certification courses for 5 years and is an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)/Pro Board-certified Fire Officer IV, Fire Inspector III, and Fire Service Instructor III amongst many other firefighter accredited certifications.
Shane Crutcher, NPS Structural Fire branch chief shared “I am excited to see Mike step into the training program manager role full time. He has supported and managed many of the duties in his previous role. I am confident he will move our training program forward as we continue to advance our professional qualifications.” The position responsibilities include training and certification of firefighters in 18 engine company parks and training course curricula for firefighters, driver/operators, fire officers and instructors. The duties also include fire related training and certification for park superintendents, structural fire coordinators and portable fire extinguisher maintenance for all parks.
Mike and his wife Tami reside in Nampa, ID with their cats. Tami has experience in in emergency services as a 911 dispatcher for the Department of Defense and as a visitor use assistant and dispatcher with the NPS.
Last updated: July 26, 2023