By: Jamie Bernal III
jamie@seymourherald.com
Emergency service has been a part of Mike Cook’s life for the past 12 years. While it is not his career, he enjoys the time he spends volunteering.
Cook was born in New Hampshire and moved to Florida shortly after. He lived in Florida for 18 years, and got a job in materials management with an ambulance company. That was his first glimpse into the emergency services.
He received his first responder certification in 1990, before he moved to Tennessee to take a reserve officer position with the sheriff’s department.
In 2000, he joined the Knoxville Rescue Squad. Although he is currently not an active member with that department, he is still involved with teaching classes.
Four years ago, Cook joined the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, which is a great fit.
“I like to do fire and rescue,” he said, “and I like this area.
“I like this department as a whole, and the main reason I do this is to help the community.”
Currently, Cook likes his job working for a vending company and does not plan on trying to get a career position in the emergency services field. He is content with volunteering and putting in the time he can in Seymour.
“It’s something I have always done. It’s in my blood,” Cook said.
On Dec. 10, Cook will be sworn in as lieutenant with the SVFD. He does not yet know what he will be in charge of, but has no qualms about his new position.
“I was a lieutenant and captain with the rescue squad,” he said. “I have been through the ranks so it is not anything new to me.”

… read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.