Mike Fetrow obituary – Death: According to an online obituary on Monday, May 22, 2023, Mike Fetrow passed away unexpectedly. However, his cause of death was not disclosed.
Social Media Tributes
It is with great sadness that the County of York, along with its Office of Emergency Management, announce the passing of beloved and well-respected retired Director of OEM, Mike Fetrow. A lifelong public servant — who worked for York County for more than 20 years — Mike died at his home in York Township on Saturday evening. He was 62.
Mike began his career with the Office of Emergency Management in 2000 as a municipal planner.
He later was promoted to deputy director and was assumed leadership as director of the department in December 2010.
Kay Carman, who Mike succeeded as director of OEM, said, “I could always count on Mike. I couldn’t have worked with a better person.”
Mike’s interest in public service began at an early age when he started frequenting his local firehouse. At 14, he gained the nickname “Shadow,” when a firefighter exclaimed, “You’re there every time I turn around. You’re like a shadow.” Responding to the call to public service, Mike earned his EMT certification and served with Springettsbury Ambulance from 1979 to 1994.
He then worked for Apria Healthcare delivering oxygen before he was hired at OEM.
During Mike’s tenure at OEM, he set the bar high for those who would follow, blazing a trail in the emergency management in the state. Mike established a training program for the county’s emergency management coordinators and managed activities that enhanced their knowledge and professionalism. He also headed the committee that procured new vehicles for OEM and played an integral role in transitioning the York County Hazmat Team from its former headquarters at the York County Fire School to its current home at OEM. In addition, Mike oversaw operations when OEM’s emergency operations center was in activation during major disasters, as well as when it was in exercise mode.
“Mike was never interviewed for my position when I retired,” Carman said in 2022. “He stepped into the role with the blessing of the commissioners because they saw what he did on a daily basis and were confident that the high standards that OEM had established would continue. They were not wrong.”
Mike retired from OEM in March of 2022, receiving a proclamation from York County Commissioners Julie Wheeler, Doug Hoke and Ron Smith. “The citizens of York County are most fortunate for the dedicated service that you have given during your 22 years with the County of York,” Hoke read. “It is only through the efforts of individuals like yourself that our community continues to grow and gives us all the opportunity to benefit, prosper and flourish.
We truly acknowledge the valuable contribution you have provided through your time and effort and express our kindest regards, as well as our good wishes to you and yours for the future.” During his retirement ceremony, Mike said, “It’s always been a pleasure working with the commissioners and the other staff members of the county, so thank you very much … This is my family right here, you all are.”
We at OEM plan to keep Mike’s memory alive and to strive every day to uphold the high standards of serving the community that he established while here.
Words fall short of expressing our grief for your loss, as we mourn with family and friends for this great loss. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. Please receive our heartfelt condolences.
Feel free to drop condolences messages and prayers for the family and friends of the deceased as it will go a very long way at this difficult time of theirs.