MINT HILL, NC – A Pennsylvania native, Administrative Captain Michael Hastings’ became interested in joining the fire department in college.  “Initially, my interest was solely in the fire side,” says Hastings, “but when I completed my initial EMT course, I quickly realized I had a passion for EMS.”

Originally in accounting before pursuing nursing school, Hastings remained an active volunteer with fire and ambulance services while holding different positions in the healthcare field.  In 1996, he moved to Mint Hill; shortly after, he joined the fire department as a paramedic.

“I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, so it felt somewhat like coming home,” says Hastings of the move to Mint Hill.  “My wife and I love the small-town charm and proximity to activities in a bigger city.  Not quite as big as Philadelphia, but I don’t miss the traffic!”

In 2015, Hastings accepted a position as EMS Captain when the department went to a fee-based ambulance service.  With the dissolution of the EMS transport service in 2019, Hastings’ role was switched to Administrative Captain.  “I continue to be grateful to be a part of and count as my friends the professional, dedicated firefighters that make up the Mint Hill Fire Department,” says Hastings.

This holiday season, Hastings encourages everyone to take some simple precautions to keep their families safe.  If you have a real Christmas tree, remember to keep it watered, and always keep live poinsettias out of reach of pets and children as the leaves and berries are poisonous.  If chillier temperatures find you using a gas fireplace, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector.  If your fireplace is wood burning, make sure you have a screen in place, and always allow coals to cool before turning in for the night.