WARFEL, MICHAEL T.

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes.

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services ~ Montgomery County ~ Maryland

March 20, 2018

Master Firefighter Michael T. Warfel began his career with Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services in 1977. He was a compassionate professional who became an invaluable & much admired asset to the department. He took great care of his fire department family at Station 8 , where he was affectionately called “Mother”, was revered for his cooking, and was appreciated for his sense of humor, wise council, & for being a man of faith.                                                                                                    He retired in 2001 ,having served with distinction for 24 years.

In May 2014, Mike experienced severe back pain & medical testing revealed a malignant tumor on his right kidney that was surgically removed. In March of 2015 his cancer returned & he was diagnosed as terminal with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. He continued to fight as his health began to slowly deteriorate.

During the early morning hours of March 20, 2018, having suffered cardiac arrest at home the day before, Mike passed at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center .

His death was eventually ruled to be a Line of Duty Death due to Occupational Cancer.

Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service Master Firefighter Michael T. Warfel was 65 years old and had served the citizens of Maryland for 24 years.