We are pleased to announce that the Pearl Firefighter of the Month is Michael Fivecoat. He began his career with the Pearl Fire Department in September 1984 and has worked his way through the ranks of PFD and was appointed Chief of Fleet Maintenance in November 2014 where he is currently serving.

On Wednesday May 16th, 2018 around 11:30 AM Mike was in his FD truck driving east bound towards Station 4. As he passed the Airport Road intersection he noticed a Ford SUV driving very erratic. He notified Pearl PD of the situation by radio and continued to follow behind. As the two vehicles approached the intersection at Walmart he realized that the SUV was not stopping for the red light. Chief Fivecoat knew then that he was going to have to take action. Mike continued to notify PD over the radio as to which direction and speed the SUV was traveling as well as warning oncoming motorists of the dangerous situation. He was able to prevent a major collision at the intersection of Highway 80 and Crossgates Blvd as the two traveled into Brandon. Shortly after they went through the intersection, he noticed that the driver appeared unconscious and knew this was an even greater situation than what he initially realized. As the SUV crossed the median and began traveling east in the westbound lane, Fivecoat sensed the situation escalating quickly and put himself between the SUV and oncoming traffic. With red lights flashing and sirens wailing, once again a potential tragic situation was avoided with no collision. The SUV began slowing and Fivecoat exited his vehicle and was able to break out the driver’s window and turn the ignition off on the SUV. The SUV came to rest on the shoulder of the road after striking a barricade and a fence. Fivecoat summoned for EMS and began administering first-aid immediately. The driver was suffering from a diabetic emergency and her blood sugar had dropped so low that she was not able to function. The driver was transported to the hospital and was expected to recover. Without Chief Fivecoat’s quick actions, this situation could have turned out much different. Chief Fivecoat is part of the administrative staff operating under Chief Kibby at Central Fire Station. He shows dedication and hard work with his daily routine of maintaining the fire department’s vehicle fleet and equipment, but his true dedication to this community was demonstrated by his actions on May 16th, 2018.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Chief Fivecoat with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket with a gift card for a meal for two people. Jose’s Mexican Restaurant donated a $25 Gift Certificate; Moss Creek Fish House donated a $25 Gift Card; The Pearl Municipal Federal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Church’s Chicken donated a $20 Gift Certificate; McAlister’s Deli donated two complimentary meals; Eclipse Nutrition donated a certificate for 5 FREE Shakes; Focus Fit donated a 1 month FREE Pass; Scott’s Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit and Great American Cookie Company donated a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.