Line of Duty Death Announcement

Michael Ramsey served 26 years with San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department

San Mateo, CA — The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMCFD) is saddened to announce the line of duty death of Firefighter Michael Joseph Ramsey after a courageous battle with a job-related illness on July 21, 2023. Mike was 54.

Having served faithfully in the Fire Service for 33 years, Mike retired in December of 2022. He began his career as a Columbia Volunteer Firefighter with Tuolumne County Fire Department in October 1989 and was later promoted to Firefighter 1. He simultaneously served as Firefighter 1 with United States Forest Service in 1990, and California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection in 1991. On May 20, 1996, Mike joined the City of San Mateo Fire Department as a full-time lateral Firefighter, and became a member of SMCFD upon commencement of operations in 2019.

Among many accolades, Mike and the rest of the crew of Engine 26 received the Peninsula Council of Lions Club Valor Award in acknowledgement of their outstanding performance while saving a life on a vehicle fire incident.

Fire Chief Kent Thrasher said “Mike was an outstanding Firefighter and an integral part of our fire department family, who will be missed by all who knew him. As we say goodbye, our sympathies and support are with his wife Sallie and their 3 children”.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Sallie Ramsey, three beautiful children, Alyssa (18), Tyson (15), Juliette (8), his father Don Ramsey of Richmond, CA, and brother Phillip Ramsey of Marin County, CA.

A full Line of Duty Death Memorial Service will be held on August 7, 2023 at 10 AM at the College of San Mateo, 1700 West Hillsdale Blvd in San Mateo.

For general information, please contact the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department at 650-522-7900, or send an email to fire@smcfire.org. For all other inquiries, contact PIO Robert Marshall above.