‘Live Like Mike’: Chickasha Welcomes Fallen Firefighter Home After Delayed Journey From Jamaica

A Chickasha firefighter died while on vacation in Jamaica. His community fought to bring him home.

Firefighters in Chickasha lost their brother and mentor. They said his presence filled every room and he made every feel special.

Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego waited 17 days to welcome his friend back home and the chance to say goodbye. 

“It’s been a process,” Samaniego said. “He’s gonna be greatly missed. We were a better place because of Michael Wise.” 

Firefighter Wise died on July 22 while on vacation in Jamaica. Samaniego and the Tulsa Fire Department have been working to bring Michael home. 

“You take it one second one minute -- one hour at a time,” Samaniego said. “I hurt but there’s always a bigger picture. My main focus is doing whatever we can to support the family right now.” 

Thursday afternoon Wise’s body landed in Tulsa. Samaniego and Wise were linked together in service for 18 years with both Newcastle and Chickasha fire departments. 

“It was really a joy to see his daughter today because I see so much of him in her,” Samaniego said. “As good of a firefighter as he was, I think he took the most pride in being a good dad and a good husband.” 

Samaniego remembered the last moment they shared. 

“Handed me a dollar and told me to go buy a diet coke,” Samaniego said. “Those little moments are the ones that you miss.” 

Wise made it back to Chickasha just after 9 p.m. on Thursday.

“It’ll allow a bit of closure,” Samaniego said. 

Samaniego said Wise’s fire department brothers will continue to serve and protect their community.

“It’s what Mike would want us to do,” Samaniego said. “Live like Mike.” 

Wise will be laid to rest on Friday morning. Wise is survived by his wife Dana and their two children Avery and Isaac -- and many more family and friends.