Michael Scot Norton was born in Newnan, Georgia, on May 25, 1978, to Eddie and Myra Norton. He graduated from East Coweta High School in 1996. He and his wife, Brittany, were married on June 28, 2008.

Lieutenant Michael Norton was a 17-year veteran with the Coweta County Fire Rescue Department. He began his career on February 7, 2000. Michael demonstrated excellent leadership qualities throughout his career and always taught others the knowledge he had obtained. Michael instructed several recruit classes and encouraged others to participate in any activity that was taking place. Michael participated in special operations and was assigned to the busiest truck company in the department. In 2010, Michael was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year for Coweta County for his dedication and service to the citizens of Coweta County. He was well known in the department for his positive attitude and dependability.

In his time away from the fire department, Michael loved working at his garage door business, golfing, and vacationing at the beach with his family. He was known for his kind ways, humble personality, positive attitude, and a smile that could light up any room. Michael was also known for his many “one liners,” including, “one time,” “how good is that gonna be?” and “I love y’all!”

Of all the positive things Michael was known for, he was best known for the love he had for his family and friends. He was a true family man, and nothing changed his life more than the birth of his first daughter, Braelynn, on March 21, 2013. When Michael’s wife, Brittany, was 31 weeks pregnant, she had major complications. She began having seizures while he was driving her to her doctor’s appointment. Braelynn Norton was born that day via emergency c-section. Doctors said that his quick thinking, calm composure, and medical knowledge had not only probably saved his wife’s life, but his unborn daughter’s life as well. He became a hero to so many that day.

Michael truly was the most amazing father from the moment his daughter was born. Anyone that came in contact with him and Braelynn could see the mutual love between them. “Daddy” was the title he cherished most in the world and the job that he wouldn’t let himself fail at. Just two weeks prior to his death, Michael and Brittany found out that they were expecting. He was beyond excited and hoped for another little “Daddy’s girl.” On September 15, 2017, Michael’s second daughter, Lainey Michael Norton, arrived. Both of his little girls will forever carry on his kind heart, and he will never be forgotten.