Fire & Emergency Services Department mourns former fire chief
– Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services announced the death of former Fire Chief Michael Paul McCain, who died May 17 in Atascadero.
McCain began his fire service career with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department as a firefighter before joining the Atascadero Fire Department in 1971. He advanced through the ranks and retired as fire chief in 2000.
According to the department, McCain took pride in his service and the relationships he built throughout his career.
The department said many firefighters hired during McCain’s tenure later became chief officers at departments and agencies throughout the region, including Templeton, San Miguel, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Five Cities, Atascadero State Hospital, Paso Robles, Diablo Canyon, and Santa Barbara County Fire.
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services said McCain’s leadership helped shape future fire service leaders across multiple organizations.
The department will lead a procession with McCain’s family from Chapel of the Roses to Pine Mountain Cemetery in Atascadero on May 29. A graveside service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
The family has invited attendees to wear Hawaiian-themed shirts or dresses. According to the department, McCain enjoyed bright colors and believed shorts were appropriate attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in McCain’s memory to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. The organization was important to McCain because his grandson, Cody, has Angelman syndrome.
Donations may be made at angelman.org/donate/.
