Captain II, Fire Station 20
Deceased:
June 15, 2020
Appointed:
05/13/1972
Pensioned:
02/04/1999 – FS 20
Details about the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I met Mike in the mid 1970’s at old FS 3. He was a very good racket baller and a good guy. We studied at Weck Tech together for Captain and always had good conversations. At retirement dinners, Mike always approached and had a hand shake and a smile as we continued our friendly talk. He was a great guy. A good friend and always pleasant. He is missed. Thank you Mike. Rest peacefully.
Just looking at e-mails and saw Mikes notice, to say I was shocked is putting it mildly. Although Mike and I never worked together, we worked in the same Battalion and on different shifts, and became good friends in retirement. One memory that stands out was a M/C ride with our wives to Newcombs Ranch on the Angeles Crest for lunch. We carpooled to the Museum several times for different events and talked on the phone just recently. Mike was one of the good guys and I will truly miss him.
May you rest in peace Mike.
We all need to thank Mike for his service to the City and to his service to the LAFD members and families as a Chaplain. R.I.P
Dear Chief Borden, it was so good to see your response and to know that you are still “out there” Ha.
I only now have gotten into this link as Judy Bisetti forwarded it to me so I could read the article on Chief Manning. So many years have passed that I just couldn’t resist contacting you a former high school classmate — ha. I am hanging in there; mainly suffering from arthritis in my lower back which is such a pain (ha ha). The rest of the time I manage to do a few things before I need to lie down and take a nap — ha ha ha. This COVID quarantine has really taken a toll on me. Had a hip replacement in October, that went just fine, but I need to get exercise to walk well again — and my gym has been closed for months. So sorry to dump on you, but here I am (warts and all). I truly hope you are doing well, too, and just “hanging in there” like the rest of us. Love, Cymbre
To all who knew my father, first and foremost, he was a man of great faith. He loved and feared our Lord Jesus Christ. That was how he led our family, Christ centered. He showed his faith through his life and was heavily involved with starting Firefighters for Christ. He was a chaplain for the LAFD for a long time and loved sharing the gospel to those he came in contact with. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, firefighter and thoroughly enjoyed telling stories of his job, which he was so passionate about. I will will always remember running around the different fire stations and on the fire engines. He was a first responder, which the world needs more of today. He was someone who put others first and cared about serving those in need. He instilled that passion in my siblings and I. I love you dad. Your watch has ended and I will take it from here. Your loving son, Jonathan.
The Hilliger family
I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a huge inspiration to me. I remember him as THE FIREMAN on the block growing up as a kid. Later in life I became interested in this career, I saw your dad out front of your house, I pulled over and introduced myself to him. He remembered me from growing up in the neighborhood and immediately offered to help me prepare for the hiring process. I remember getting hired and calling him to let him know. I remember how genuinely happy he was for me.
My hope is that this story gives you another example of that type of man your dad was.
RIP Mike. Worked with him at FS 11, and had many memorable battles on the racquetball court. A great man.
Mike Hilliger was a good and caring friend for many years and he was a special comfort to the McMaster family at our time of personal loss. My condolences to
Mike’s family. Thank you, Mike for your friendship. Rest in peace.
I was never assigned to work with Mike. However, I was around him at events and emergencies for many years. He seemed like a quality guy. The amount of time/effort that he gave to fellow firefighters as chaplain…speaks to the quality of the man. Doing good deeds in the name of Jesus…is as good as it can get. A life well lived…Ed Sandell- Somis, Ca
God Bless Mike and may perpetual light always shine upon him. Mike was a kind and competent man and Firefighter. RIP Brother Mike.
I also first met Mike at old 3’s in the 70’s, we were young then and horse play was in vogue, had a lot of laughs together, wonderful memories (i.e. the time he tried to emulate Aaron Pruitt’s jumping ability, let’s just say it didn’t quite work out for Mike, brought down the house though and the cream flowed), stayed in touch with Mike throughout the years, he loved the job and did a lot for the troops, a good man. ps put in a good word for me with the lord, I know that you were welcomed with open arms but I need a little more help.
R.I.P. Mike. It was a pleasure and an honor knowing you.
Thank you for your service.
Mike I’m very sorry for your family, I was his last autofireman to drive him we had many laughs in the front seats he loved the crews on all 3 shifts he was always there for anyone who needed guidance. It hurts to hear of your passing but I feel so fortunate to not only to know you but also to have worked with you, thank you
I am a Chaplain for LAFD. And I met Mike at a memorial service I was proceeding over (my first LAFD service). He introduced himself to me and offered to pray for me before the service began. He also shared some words of encouragement. I could see and feel his pride for the LAFD and the Chaplaincy. We had never met before, but he has made lasting impression on me. God bless his family and we will see each other again in glory.
I first met Mike at Fire Station 11 when I was appointed department chaplain in 1980. A few years later, he was appointed Senior Chaplain and became my ‘Boss’. We spent many hours sharing our faith in the Lord and our vision of what the chaplain service should be. We worked together on many memorial services and funerals trying to give comfort and courage to our department family. He was truly a man of God, and a blessing to me. My love and prayers to the family. He’s finally home.
Fr. Chris Van Liefde
The passing of Mike is a genuine shock. I knew Mike my entire career and he always conducted himself as a gentleman, as well as a competent fireman and fire officer. He served the LAFD with great faith, courage, and conviction. Godspeed, Mike, and condolences to his family.
Wow what a surprise when I saw this. The first time I met Mike was when I was a rookie and he drove a sedan as the Chaplin. I would tease him and call it the Pope Mobile and he would laugh. Every time we met he would always bring up how I cooked him quiche for lunch one day and wanted my recipe. I was glad to see him at my retirement and anytime after that. My condolences to the family my heart goes out to them. May he Rest In Peace and we all know he is with the Lord now and we can be happy for him.
there was none better than Mike, RIP may god bless you and your family
I first met Mike in 1984 in the context of ministry at Grace Community Church, where he served as an elder (in the midst of his career with LAFD). He and Carrie faithfully showed Christ’s great love, hospitality and kindness to me from that time on. They’ve welcomed me in their home many times, including a few nights last summer during a visit to L.A. I’m grateful to God for Mike’s interest in and influence on me as a Christian man, husband, father and pastor. Our years serving together in high school ministry at GCC (1985-1990) created many deep bonds, crazy laughs and indelible memories. In the best way possible, I don’t know anyone who could talk my ear off quite like Mike! Though I’ll greatly miss him, I rejoice in knowing Mike’s faith in Jesus has now become sight. Praying for God’s strong comfort and care for Mike’s precious wife, children and grandchildren. Even as they grieve, may they know the fullness of hope found only in Christ – 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
I first met Mike in 1984 in the context of ministry at Grace Community Church, where he served as an elder. He and Carrie faithfully showed Christ’s great love, hospitality and kindness to me from that time on. They’ve welcomed me in their home many times, including a few nights last summer during a visit to L.A. I’m grateful to God for Mike’s interest in and influence on me as a Christian man, husband, father and pastor. Our years serving together in high school ministry at GCC (1985-1990) created many deep bonds, crazy laughs and indelible memories. In the best way possible, I don’t know anyone who could talk my ear off quite like Mike! Though I’ll greatly miss him, I rejoice in knowing Mike’s faith in Jesus has now become sight. Praying for God’s strong comfort and care for Mike’s precious wife, children and grandchildren. Even as they grieve, may they know the fullness of hope found only in Christ – 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
I first met Mike when he was a new A/O at Fire Station 20. We became fast friends both on and off duty. I was with him at the ski trip to Overton when Josh was born. We still hang the Christmas ornament that Mike gave us of Josh on our Christmas tree each each year. Mike also honored us by being the minister at our son’s wedding. Mike you will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to Carrie and the rest of their family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike Hilliger’s passing. He was and continues to be a great man. Mike was always there to comfort and encourage in times of need. My family was a beneficiary of his kindness in our time of sorrow. Mike Loved Jesus! He spent his life serving and worshiping Him. Of all the titles that Mike wore in his life here on earth, the most precious to him was ‘Christian’. There is no doubt where Mike Hilliger is right now. Although we will miss him until we see him again, Mike is in paradise in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ! Seeing his God not in a mirror dimly but face to face.
Another Giant of the LAFD belongs to the ages! I met Mike at 11’s at my first house out of drill tower. Working on Rescue 11 with the likes of Bill Cone,Anthony Fiori,Herk Borderman,Bud Creath and Mike they all kept us on our toes. Many a Monday l would hear from at least one of them ‘did you complete your Monday checks’! During my career we’d see each other, he always stopped for a friendly chat.Heaven has another great firefighter. RIP Mike!
A true man of God. Selfless, caring and always ready to help those in need.
IJudy Bisetti forwarded this site to me so it is the first time that I have gotten to see the names of some of the wonderful people I was able to work with at LAFD. It was an honor and privilege to work for you Chief DeFeo. Please extend my love to Roger Gillis and Family. I hope all are well and just “hunkering down” during this pandemic. Love, Cymbre
I crossed paths with Mike many times in his service as an LAFD Chaplin and his commitment to establish Firefighter’s for Christ with John White on the LAFD and Internationally. Mike always Demonstrated his Care, Commitment, Concern and Love for God to Others in his words and actions. I noticed even on the day before God called him home, Mike extended God’s Comfort in Scripture to Chief Bisson’s Family (2 Corinthians 1: 3-7). Kathy and I were Married at Grace Community Church in 1980 were Mike served as an Elder. I always seemed to be walking a path where Mike had already been both on and off the job. Mike, Thank You, for your Faithful Service to God, and Others. My condolences to the Hilliger Family.
Rick Erquiaga
During the early 1980’s, I worked with Mike at FS 11 as a member of the ‘Coneheads’. He was an Outstanding Engineer and took all of the young Firemen under his wing and certified us as acting Engineers. Tony Fiori, Pat Perry, Mike, and myself would gather in the front office after Engine Only runs and talk and listen to old time rock and roll. Mike and Capt. Fiori would battle on naming the title of the songs. He made FS 11 a fun time and a lot of great memorIes. Mike was a great man of faith and loved his family. He will be missed.
Mark Akahoshi
Mike was a very special man…a man of God who inspired all who met him. I know that Mike’s work was completed here on earth and God called him home. All who met Mike came away a better person. Mike was special to my family and me.
Rest in peace Mike your work here is done.
Mike Hilliger one of the great people I had the pleasure of working with at fs 20. I will always remember the times out drilling with him on truck 20. such good times. RIP MIke. I’m not sure if he ever forgave me for not making it to his retirement dinner. He would always remind me of how disappointed he was whenever I would see him. For he is a man of god it’s probably safe to say he did. To the family Mike will always be at the heart of my LAFD experience. Thanks for sharing him with us.
The news of Mike’s home-going has come like a punch in the gut, leaving me breathless. A man I have developed a deep and precious love for. We first met back in ’82, off the job, in a class that Mike was teaching at the church I had begun attending as a newly ‘Born-Again’ Christian. Mike and his wife Carrie immediately became like family to me and my daughter. Not only did we begin to spend time together as families and recreating together but more importantly they helped me deal with major issues in my life that I was needing to cope with. Mike became a spiritual mentor to me and his always biblical perspective, admonition and encouragement was of tremendous value to me. He was a model of a godly man and faithful servant of his Lord and I was certainly the greater beneficiary of this friendship. Mike performed the marriage ceremony for me and my wife Linda, he performed a number of Funeral/Memorial Services for family members as well. I guess you could say he married some of us and he buried some of us. Although our paths never crossed on the job we have maintained contact and friendship over these many years and his interest has ALWAYS been for the well being of each and every one of my family members. Needless to say, we will miss him dearly (already do), until that big ‘Line-Up’ in the sky.
Our love and prayers are with you Carrie, Josh, Jenny, Jonathan and all the g-kids. He loved you guys sooo much, bragged way too much about you for a Christian man if you ask me but God is gracious.
To LAFD readers of this post, please consider attending Mike’s Memorial and showing your appreciation for such a great man, a true and glad servant of Christ and the LAFD.
Mike’s Memorial Service
Sat. August 15 – 10:00
Grace Community Church
13248 Roscoe Bl. Sun Valley
Just heard that there was going to be a service, but that it was limited attendance. Is the place to sign up and is it still open? I’d like to reserve 2 spots if possible’ Ph. 818-618-2881
Mr. Watters,
My name is Josh Hilliger, Mike’s oldest son. The service is not limited in attendance. Grace Community, where we are having the memorial is a very large church. This way anyone who would like to attend is welcome and there is plenty of room to Social Distance if desired. My family would love you to attend.
Thanks for the info, I will be there.
I knew Mike from various assignents beginning in Batt 11. Always a man of God, and a fearless leader. I appreciated his forthrighness and honesty. If we had more like him the world would be a better place.
Shocked to hear Mike had passed away. Mike was my mentor at F.S.11 for A/o and Engineer, I think the only reason I made A/O is because Mike drove me to the practical and had friends in high places. Mike was a great Engineer and a man of great faith. My condolences to the Hilliger family.
On behalf of myself and my family, I wanted to say thank you to every Single one of you who took the time to comment on this page. All of these comments and stories have been very special to read over the past two months. Your kind words, stories, prayers and encouragement have meant the world to me.
Thank you for giving me a small glimpse of my Dad as a Firefighter. And what he meant to you all. My Father absolutely loved being a Los Angeles City Firefighter and I was always so proud of the work that he did. If anyone has more stories of my Dad, my brother and I would love to hear them. My email is joshuahilliger@gmail and Phone number is (818) 430-8240
My family would be honored for anyone who wants to attend the service this coming Saturday at 10am. I also attached a link to where it will be live streamed.
Again, thank you for all the love and support during this time. I will always love the LAFD and I have so many fond memories of growing up around hero’s like all of you.
http://www.gracechurch.org/eventlive
Sincerely,
Josh Hilliger
I went to high school with Mike at Notre Dame and we both graduated in 1965. We had some great times back in the day. he had a great sense of humor back then. I just found about his passing today July 25, 2021 from the Notre Dame website I am so sorry and my deepest sympathy to his family May he rest inpeace for his service and friendship.