Mitch was a 14-year veteran of the Appleton Fire Department when he tragically lost his life in the line of duty. It started as a routine medical call at the city’s transit center, when a man who had been revived after a drug overdose opened fire on police officers and firefighters who had just saved his life. Mitch died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
While Mitch had a passion for serving and helping those in need, his family was the most important thing in his life, and it was obvious to everyone who knew him. He was a loving son and brother. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Lindsey, for 12 years. His love for Lindsey was demonstrated daily, and they were best friends. He was a devoted and amazing father to his three sons, Evan, Logan, and Ryan, who were nine, seven, and four at the time of his death. He loved spending time with his boys. On his days off, he was home with the boys and loved having that time with them when they were young. As they got older, he enjoyed coaching and watching his boys play in their many sports. He loved taking his family to Disney World every year, and we think he even had more fun than the boys!
Being in good shape was important to Mitch. He spent a lot of time running and exercising. Right before he went on his last call, he convinced the guys at the station to try to do 100 Man-Makers (Cross Fit exercise). They had completed 50 when the call came in. They are now referred to as “Mitch-Makers” within the department and with many people in the Appleton area.
In his free time, he loved to golf and watch Packer or Brewer games. Sunday afternoons at Lambeau Field was one of his favorite places to be! Go Pack Go!
During his career, Mitch spent eight years as a firefighter/inspector before returning to the line in January 2019 as a relief driver. He completed several trainings at the National Fire Academy for fire investigation and was a Certified Fire Investigation (CFI) Technician with the International Association of Arson Investigators. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Search and Rescue Task Force. Mitch held an associate degree in fire protection and was two classes away from earning a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency response management from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Mitch was strong and confident in his career and built many great friendships and bonds with his AFD brothers. He was posthumously promoted to driver/engineer.
Mitch is missed every single day by his family, the fire department, and his friends. His legacy will live on forever within the community of Appleton.
