The Vista Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year Award was handed out over the weekend, and we would like to recognize Michael Saladaña as the recipient. Through his tireless effort and continued hard work to make the department a better place, this is an award that is well deserved.
Michael Emmanuel Saldaña Jr.
Born, raised, and still residing in Vista. He was hired by VFD in 2018 and works tirelessly as a member of the training committee, assisting with forcible entry, building construction, hose, and burn days in the VFD Academy. He assists with teaching BA’s, FF Survival, search and rescue, and Hose at the Palomar College Fire Academy. Mike is also a director on the VFFA Local 4107 Executive Board and performs various tasks on behalf of the Local 4107 Membership.
In Mike’s early career, he was a volunteer firefighter with Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Fire Department and then moved on to reserve with Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District for a total of 8 years. Mike then worked as a reserve firefighter and then single role medic for North County Fire Protection District for 3 and a half years. Outside of the fire service, Mike contributed to his community as a soccer coach for a total of 10 years with Vista Storm and Rancho Buena Vista HS. He also worked for Escondido Cycle Center for almost 8 years, along with working various other jobs.
He has been married to his wife Dana for a year and a half and just recently had a son. Mike enjoys playing guitar, listening to music/collecting vinyl, reading, and cruising his 64 Chevy.
Mike is at Station 6 on C shift
