Captain Michael Orland Scholarship Awarded to CHC Fire Cadet Grace Shumate

Publish Date: Oct. 26, 2022

Mike Orland, a graduate of CHC Fire Academy #34 and retired paramedic fire captain for the San Manuel Fire Department, passed away on September 4, 2021, at the age of 54. Orland was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer in 2019 and began awarding scholarships to cadets in the CHC Fire Academy in 2020 as a legacy for a career and program he cared deeply about.

Orland left an endowment that the CHC Foundation will use to continue awarding the Michael Orland Endowed Scholarship in his memory. This scholarship will be awarded to one cadet in each academy who has had to overcome significant challenges; displays the necessary courage, perseverance, and tenacity that it takes to be a firefighter; demonstrates a history of civic mindedness through giving back to their community, volunteering, and being a good person; possesses personal characteristics of selflessness and kindness; and has a selfless and humble attitude.

Mike Orland’s mother, Margie Orland, presented the scholarship for the first time since his passing to a cadet in Academy 107 on September 16.

Orland addressed the 29 cadets stating, “I’m really honored to be here today to speak to all of you and proud to represent Michael and what he expected of his career and the future of all of yours.”

“I was very impressed with all three candidates, but there was one that was just so outstanding with how that person perceived being a firefighter,” Orland continued. “Today, I would like to recognize Grace Shumate.”

Orland explained that a firefighter poem written by Shumate and attached to her application was a factor in her selection, saying, “My heart just went out because you shared the essence of what it really means to be a firefighter. Your resume was filled with educating yourself and dedicating yourself to others who want to be part of the firefighter experience. Everything that you have shared with me was exactly what Mike would have expected from someone to receive this scholarship.”

Shumate was honored to receive the scholarship. “As I strive to become a firefighter, I want to emulate his [Mike’s] compassion, his kindness, his work ethic, and his love for others and the outdoors,” stated Shumate.

Orland said of Shumate, “I was amazed with the poetry, essay and resume of Grace Shumate. She is a dedicated young lady who will go far in her career as a firefighter, and Michael would have been proud of her.”