Fire Department Battalion Chief Seagraves to retire
Clayton Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Seagraves will be retiring after 42 years of service, on March 10, 2024.
He started in the fire service as a volunteer in 1982. He served with New Lebanon, Farmersville, Trotwood, and Clayton Fire Departments. He served the community in several different roles such as a Paramedic, Firefighter, Captain, and Battalion Chief.
Battalion Chief Seagraves loved to serve the community and did so in the most effective and professional manner possible.
During his 20 years of service with the Clayton Fire Department his main area of responsibility revolved around maintenance of equipment, apparatus, buildings, and IT (informational technology).
Battalion Chief Seagraves started an in-house maintenance program to ensure apparatus was in good working condition when needed. Within 3 years of starting his program he reduced the maintenance budget by 66% from $94,000 to $32,000.
He completed several in-house remodels of fire stations with one remodel taking a volunteer station and making it suitable for 24/7 staffing, which saved the department thousands of dollars. These are just a few examples of how he used his talents and expertise to save money for the community.
He mentored serval firefighters that have become officers with the Clayton, Englewood, Union Fire
Department Collaborative or with other departments in the area. His legacy will be felt in the fire service for years to come.
He served his community, department, and fellow firefighters with all that he had, and we are all better for it. The Clayton, Englewood and Union Fire Department Collaborative would like to wish Battalion Chief Seagraves all the best in his retirement.