Adie Stadem | Staff Intern
Michael Olson joined the Hartford Area Fire and Rescue (HAFR) in August of 2018. When asked what inspired him to join, Olson said, “Jason Roberts talked to me about joining. I was originally a volunteer when I began my fire service career in Rapid Valley.”
Prior to joining HAFR, Olson received the following certifications:
2007 – EMT
2007 – Firefighter I & II
2011 – Fire Instructor
2012 – Hazmat Tech
2014 – USAR Tech
2017 – Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
When not at HAFR, Olson is a Firefighter with Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue (SFFR) and is assigned to Heavy Rescue 5 on A shift. He is also a member of South Dakota Task Force 1. Along with those duties Olson juggles the swift water rescue and ice rescue training and certification for SFFR.
Olson and his wife, Casey, have a busy life outside of HAFR being parents of four children; Max (6), Jordyn (4), Addelyn (2) and Zane (4 months). He enjoys taking his children to their activities, cheering on the Jackrabbits, camping and spending time outdoors.
In addition, Olson is the president of the Pheasant Country FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherhead Society), which is a local chapter of FOOLS International. He explains that FOOLS International is an International nonprofit firefighter group with a mission to better the fire service through training, brotherhood and giving back to community.
Olson says he appreciates the patience the department has with him as he balances life with raising four children. Olson also goes on to say, “I have also been on some of the most difficult calls of my career with HAFR. I always appreciate the phone calls after checking to see how I am doing.” He concluded, “As first responders, we deal with difficult situations and its nice knowing people are there for you. Remember, you never have to go through the tough calls alone; don’t tough it out, reach out to someone if you need to.”