West Thurston Regional Fire Authority firefighter Michael Morales was presented the Firefighter of the Year award July 20 by the American Legion.
West Thurston Regional Fire Authority firefighter Michael Morales was presented the Firefighter of the Year award July 20 by the American Legion at its state award banquet in Spokane.
The American Legion recognizes providers from around the State of Washington for their efforts in providing outstanding public service.
“Mike was selected out of a list of 10 other firefighters from around the state,” according to the RFA.
Morales developed a health and wellness program for the RFA and acts as a mentor for new firefighters. Outside the department, his is actively involved in the community. He serves as the high school wrestling coach for the Tenino High School, where he graduated in 2007. He also works as an assistant football coach at the Rochester High School.
Morales lives in Tenino with his wife Emily and their 10-month-old son Michael Jr. He is the son of Michael and Lori Morales, also of Tenino. He has been a firefighter with West Thurston since 2012.
“We are so proud to have Mike on our department!” a press release from the RFA states.
