Episode 105 features Michael Rose, a 17-year firefighter who picked up a guitar when he found himself flat on his back after a near-career-ending injury. Years later, he’s back to fighting fires and has discovered a new love of playing music for gatherings to pay it forward and make a difference in the small and big moments of life. He’s a husband, father and whiskey, hunting and campfire enthusiast who can be found outdoors in his free time. We discussed his injury, mental health and the leadership role of a senior firefighter. Enjoy!
A little more about today’s guest…
I’VE BEEN A FIREFIGHTER FOR OVER 17 YEARS — I NEVER SAW MYSELF DOING MUSIC.
Busting down doors, annihilating flames and basically running on adrenaline are more my speed. Walking alongside kids and families in their moments of pain and making small differences along the way, that’s more my speed.
But, life (and God) have a way of refocusing your attention when you find yourself where you least expect.
A handful of years ago, I suffered a near-career-ending injury that left my neck, back and body in a lot of pain. Getting up and moving around was impossible. I worried I would never see the fire service again and I would be in pain for the rest of my life. It was a really dark time, especially because the physical activity that always helped me manage stress was gone.
It didn’t take long for TV to lose its luster as I laid flat on my back on the living room floor. My son had just started guitar lessons, and though I had once attempted to learn guitar, I still didn’t know how to play. Seeing the guitar leaning up against the corner of the living room, I decided to give it another shot.
With the help of YouTube, Bill Howell and endless amounts of time, I managed to string together the chords of my wife and I’s wedding song, “Stand By Me,” six months later. Strumming the guitar and singing also seemed to switch off the noise of life and help me process in a way I had never experienced.
As my body healed, my mind followed. I would play when friends were over and they began remarking about the unique tones of my voice. I shrugged it off initially until my son’s guitar teacher, a professional musician, said the same thing and encouraged me to pursue it. Who knew a former choir boy who performed all over the country in high school would discover a totally different, grittier voice at age 40, developed after years of life’s highs and lows.
Now that my body is better and I look ahead to the future, I know I want to keep making a difference in the big and small moments of people’s lives. Music gave me the outlet to manage difficult feelings; I want to give back the best feelings to others — whether it’s in one of my favorite bars or at someone’s wedding.
It’s not about being in the spotlight or being remembered in some way. For me, there’s nothing more gratifying than a nodding head in a bar or a smile on the bride’s face. Those are the moments that feel amazing.
I’m still a firefighter and still relish kicking in a door and kicking a fire’s ass (spoiler alert: I don’t think that will ever change). I live every day grateful for another moment doing what I love, and the chance to make a small difference with my voice or my day job in uniform.
So I guess music is my speed now…and I’m good with that
Fired up and ready to chat? Send me an email here.
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