Chief Mike Warner Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship serves as a living tribute.
The Chief Mike Warner Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the distinguished legacy of Chief Mike Warner, a decorated veteran, devoted firefighter, and respected community leader. This scholarship provides financial assistance to those pursuing education and careers in public safety, including fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate leadership, integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to serving others. By investing in the next generation of public servants, the scholarship upholds Chief Warner’s lifelong dedication to protecting the community and his enduring belief that “Life is Good.”
CHIEF MIKE WARNER
Warner was born at Corey Hospital in Chardon to Richard “Dick” and Charlotte “Scottie” Warner. Although named Richard at birth, his father nicknamed him Mike—a name he would not realize was not his legal name until middle school. His family moved frequently within the Village of Chardon, flipping houses before it became widespread. Mike graduated from Chardon High School, where he received several offers to play college football but instead chose to enlist in the U.S. Army on August 2, 1968.
Military Service and Personal Values
Warner completed two overseas tours in Vietnam and Germany and was promoted to Sergeant E-5 in June 1970. He also served in the Ohio National Guard from 1978 to 1987. His military experiences instilled in him courage, a deep sense of service, and leadership that shaped the rest of his life. Each Memorial Day, he honored fallen soldiers, setting an example of remembrance and gratitude.
Firefighting Career and Community Involvement
After returning from military service, Warner began a long and impactful career in firefighting. He started as a volunteer with the Hambden Township Fire Department, where he later served as Fire Chief (1976-1995), then became Chief of Concord Township Fire Department (1995-2015), and eventually a Captain at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office overseeing central communications. Warner was known as “The Chief,” “Father Fire,” and “Iron Mike,” and he embodied servant leadership, always prioritizing the recognition of his teams over his own acclaim.
He was also a fire instructor, a NIMS instructor, and an active supporter of continuous training and education in the field. Warner’s mentorship and compassion left a mark on generations of firefighters, police officers, and first responders in the region.
Warner’s service and dedication earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
- State of Ohio Distinguished Service Award
- State Fire Marshal Hall of Fame (Commerce Division)
- 2015 Lake County Blue Coats Award
- 2006 Heroes for Andy Award
- 2006 Ohio Police Chiefs Award for creating the Public Safety Alliance
- 2012 Chardon High School Hall of Fame[1]
Faith, Family, and Later Years
Mike Warner’s life was anchored by faith and family. Married to Becky since 1972, they raised two sons, Joe and Rick, and enjoyed spending time together, including cross-country motorcycle trips. After a serious motorcycle accident in 2021, he became even more devoted to spiritual service, serving as a chaplain for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Lake Metroparks Rangers.
Even while battling stage 4 cancer in his later years, Warner continued his outreach, supporting others spiritually and emotionally, often posting prayers on social media and counseling those in need. He lived by the motto “Life is Good,” originally adopted from a friend, and made it a guiding principle in his talks at Lake Erie College and community gatherings.
Mike Warner passed away on July 18 at age 75, leaving a legacy defined by selflessness, leadership, and kindness. He was honored by the community with memorial services attended by hundreds, a two-and-a-half-mile funeral procession, and ceremonial tributes from fire and police departments. Warner’s unwavering commitment to “service before self” and belief in the good of life continues to inspire all who knew him.
