The life of Michael Lee Freeland, affectionately known as “Mike,” began on February 19, 1985, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born to Michael Steele and Terona S. Freeland. He attended the local public schools of Duval County, graduating from Edward White High School, Class of 2003.
Furthering his education, Mike attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. During his tenure, doctors discovered he had a rare form of cancer in his finger, which would later require amputation and his unenrollment. This was a very challenging moment in Mike’s young life but, because of his determination, he didn’t give up and still pursued life. He continued his studies and later earned a Bachelor of Applied Science with Supervision in Management degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville.
At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, where he served as a member of the Health Ministry and Parking Lot Ministry.
Mike always had a desire to work. He was afforded the opportunity of working for several companies, including Winn-Dixie, Foot Locker, the United States Postal Service, NAPA Auto Parts, ADT, Caliber Patient Care, and Agape Community Health Center.
Mike’s childhood dream was to one day become a racecar driver. He had a love and passion for vintage cars and would frequently attend car shows. Mike owned an array of cars and tennis shoes.
The mission of Mike’s life began when he became employed by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department as a firefighter. This was a decision he made to model the life of his fireman uncle, George. Above all, Mike was dedicated to helping others. He excelled with great job performance in his career, earning certification as a paramedic. This profession gave him the rights of passage to be a modern-day hero, as he would show true by exemplifying his unwavering courage and commitment to service.
He received numerous commendations for his heroic efforts, including certification in Aircraft, Rescue and Firefighting. In the spring of 2019, Mike was promoted to engineer and was studying for the lieutenant’s exam. Other affiliations include being a member of the MOBB Jeep Club.
The purpose of Mike’s time on earth was shown to his community and to the world as he sacrificed his own life for the lives of others. On November 11, 2021, while in the line of duty, Engineer Michael Lee Freeland went home to be with the Lord.
The thought of his smile brings joy. The absence of his smile brings tears. Such a beautiful soul.
– Crystal R LewisGod bless your life, nephew!
– A. London ArringtonYour village is PROUD of you, your life, and your legacy!
R.I.P.
Baby Cousin, my sweetest of Sweets, your heart, presence and personhood are terribly missed in this realm. May you feel blanketed within the same love, peace and comfort that you so freely bestowed upon us. I miss you. I love you. I live you.
– Jessica ReddickMicheal you’re loved and greatly appreciated for all your services rest in peace love you nephew.
– Prophetess P. FrazierTruly missing our nephew, Engineer Michael Freeland. He had a servants heart and loved his job and helping others. He is our hero.
– Hazel Yates-CampbellAuntie Hazel and uncle Maurice
February 19th, 1985 was the most blessed day because it was the day that my nephew Michael Lee Freeland was born! I always knew my nephew was an angel and the life he lived proved that fact. I thank The Creator for allowing me to be a part of my nephew’s life. I enjoyed and cherished every moment! I also thank The Creator for allowing Michael to touch and bless and bring joy to the many many lives of others! I love you and miss you so much, Michael and I wish you were still here. But I know that The Almighty Creator has you with Him now. Rest In Peace, my beautiful Angel.
– Lavonya FreelandI love you Mike Mike you will always be my favorite hero…. Kee-Kee
– Lakeshia HolseyMike was such a pleasant friend and coworker. His presence will forever be missed. See you on the otherside brother
– Terrance HolmesContinue to do mighty works in heaven my good and faithful servant!
Love Always,
– Angie DixonMs. Angie❤️
To the Family May God continue to Bless You …
– Arlese Thompson“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Man you truly brought the best out of all us you met we love you and try everyday to just try to be a little more like you each day
– TonyCousin we all Love and miss you so very much the life you lived. Shows in the appreciation of love shown to you and your family. Since your passing. A Servants Heart is what you had. And your Fire Departments Brotherhood. Continues to honor you and your fellow fire fighters. Mike you will live in our hearts forever.
– Elaine WescottWe remember and honor Mike, our firefighter hero. We applaud him for his courageous service to our community. Prayers and love for his family.
– Deidra Oliver FranklinMike,
Your contagious smile, kind spirit, and enormous heart is all I think of when thinking of you. You were a remarkably amazing man that left a trail of beautiful memories. With that being said, it’s extremely difficult to forget someone who gave so much to remember. You are deeply missed friend; but never EVER will you be forgotten.
LaTara
– LaTaraLove you Cuzzo !
– Darius HolseyMike Freeland was a great person all around so that greatness carried over into his many titles in life such as son, brother, fiancé, God father, friend, firefighter, and the list goes on. We love and miss ya “Iron Mike”!
– Maurice BrownWill always remember our time at the kitchen table at sta 20. He was a EMT student and I was the firefighter. We had long talks about life and that’s where our bond began. You are definitely miss mike! See you on the top floor my boy!!
– Lorenzo WestThank you Michael Freeland,
– Andrea AndersonFor your hard work and dedication. You gave your life to safe a life.
Haven has gained an angel because God has blessed you with your wings.
Rest well officer Freeland!
A job well done!
Forever in our hearts Brotha Mike . #LLM
– Menos LeroyMike was caring, loving, respectful and very resourceful. He cared about everyone, he was loved by many, always respectful and as resourceful as MacGyver. He was easy to love with his big smile and even bigger heart. Rest on sweet Mike, until we meet again.
– Michelle JohnsonI met Mike when I was 8 when I moved into neighborhood, down the street from his grand parents. He was an familiar face that are recognized playing football in the streets. As I was the new kid in the neighborhood Mike instantly invited me over to play football with the other kids. From that day we instantly became close in our friendship continue to grow. As Mike was off at college in FAMU we still kept in contact. Then one day that’s when I get a call from Mike to say he will be coming back home for like a semester and he needed a job. At the time, I was working a CitiBank in the Credit Card Collection department. As I was able to get Mike a job there with me and boy did he hate it and reminded me everyday. I had to remind him of the $600 referral bonus and that he does not receive it until he completes his 90 days. Everyone knows how Mike loves his money, so he stuck it out until I received the referral bonus and gave him his cut of the $600 and he was done with CitiBank as of day 92 (LOL). Mike is the nicest person I have ever come to meet. I always tell people think of the nicest person you know and times that person by 10 and you will get Michael Lee Freeland. I miss my brother each and everyday. You hear the comic book stories of heroes but you never get a chance to met them. I’m happy to say I met my HERO at the the age of 8 and his name is Big Lip Mike Mike from the neighborhood as we called him LOL.
– Alvin Cross JrForever In Our Hearts Mike Free. LOVE
I love you and miss you bro.
– NiyahThank you for being YOU.
-Niyah
There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone.Michael will always be remembered.
– Sharon ScottMy Dear Friend Mike.
You’re truly missed my friend. I think about all the good times and memories, us and those Honda’s and sitting at Footlocker lol. I guess the lord needed you more I miss you and I love you!
– TierraRest in heaven little cousin. Love you always.
– Andria Griffin SharpMay you rest in peace for your labor was not in vain. Thank you for the life you lived in sacrificial service to mankind.
– Evelyn ChisholmMike, it’s been almost a year and I still can’t believe you’re gone. I’ll never forget the first time we met when you rode in on E-56, I asked myself who is this guy who never stops smiling? The memories of your infectious smile and love of life will keep me when times get tough. I thank God that I was apart of your life for just 6 short years but in that time you thought me so many valuable lessons. I pray for your family often and know it’s not goodbye forever but see you later.
Until we meet again.
– Josh Acevedo
– Josh AcevedoThis is saddening news to hear, we both attend the same middle school together, shared classes together, always have a positive spirit and was a humbled man. Had a tennis shoe game for days, my condolences to the family and friends that were actual friends of him.
– E. White