Washington firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Washington State Patrol Troopers escorted Battalion Chief Mike Zainfeld, a 20-year veteran firefighter of Cowlitz 2, to the Thurston County Coroner’s office for examination from a line of duty death Thursday afternoon. Zainfeld leaves behind his wife Kelly and two boys, Braden (17) and Evan (16). Details of his death have not been released. Mike’s family has been notified. Details of the service arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Dave LaFave comments on the loss, “This hurts. We will remember Mike, his family, and what they contributed to our organization. They’re a big part of where we are today. I believe Mike would want us to move forward together. We will support each other and his family as we all get through this loss.”
Zainfeld began with Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue in September of 1994 as a fire cadet in the first year of this program. Mike was hired full time in 2000 after completing paramedic training in Tacoma. After several years as a firefighter, he was promoted to lieutenant, captain, and lastly as battalion chief. He was active in all hazard deployments, qualified as a division supervisor, and has been on assignments in several states.
Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, vacationing with his immediate family and his extended fire family. Mike also enjoyed spending time with his German Shepard “Max” and he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, flying his drone and history books.
No further information is available. Additional information will only be released as it is available and approved by family.