YUCAIPA, CA — A fire engine bay is where the mission of public service comes to life every day, a lesson Fire Capt. Mike Orland of the San Manuel Fire Department carried with him throughout his career.
On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay during a naming ceremony at the Yucaipa-based college. Hundreds attended, including Mike Orland’s mother, Margie Orland, and colleagues from the fire service.
“The naming of an engine bay is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a firefighter,” said Keith Alexander, a colleague of Mike Orland and chief of the San Manuel Fire Department. “It ensures that every firefighter who walks through these doors remembers the standards that came before them. And today, those standards bear the name of Fire Captain Mike Orland.”
Mike Orland, a Crafton alumnus, served with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his career, he mentored hundreds of academy cadets and firefighters, leaving a legacy of service above self through his work in the fire service and by raising funds for various causes.
Prior to his death in Sept. 2021, at the age of 54, Mike Orland established a scholarship to support Crafton academy cadets who exemplify the courage, perseverance and tenacity it takes to become a firefighter.
His family continues his legacy by reviewing student essays each January and August to select cadets for scholarships who demonstrate selflessness, kindness and a “don’t quit” attitude.
“These essays,” shared Margie Orland, “give me an opportunity to learn their background and realize the struggles they face but overcame through determination. I always look forward to graduation and to having an opportunity to hear cadets speak about the camaraderie and what training at Crafton Hills meant to their team.
“It will be five years since I have spoken to each class about Mike’s desire for cadets to have an opportunity to receive this scholarship, and I am honored to continue Michael’s legacy,” she said.
The Michael Orland Scholarship is presented to cadets twice a year. To learn more or to support the scholarship fund, contact the Crafton Hills College Foundation at 909-389-3391 or visit www.craftonhills.edu/foundation.
For more information about the college’s Fire Academy, visit www.craftonhills.edu/fireacademy.
