Mick Bird
Mick Bird lost his life in the line of duty on the 24th September 2006. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 21st September 2025.
On the 24th September 2006 responding to a call in the early hours of the morning Firefighter Michael ‘Mick’ Bird tragically suffered a suspected heart attack and later died in hospital at the age of 43. The crew were on the way to a incident when Mick suddenly fell ill. The crew stopped the appliance immediately when they noticed Mick not responding and carried out CPR before the arrival of the ambulance. Mick had served 21 years at Shepshed station which is an on call station. Mick worked in the village and responded during work and personal time. Mick was a keen firefighter, experienced with the enthusiasm that never waivered with the highest standard ever witnessed. He even moved house so he could be closer to the station and respond quicker, jumping a wall (locally known as ‘Micks Wall’!) to make response times quicker! 9 times out of 10 he was the first to the station to respond to a call and meant he always got to drive. He was a true professional, dedicated to serving his community and all firefighters looked up to him for guidance.
He was married with 2 children aged 15 and 12 at the time of his passing, his daughter Tanya and his son Danny. He was a retained firefighter worked at the Dunlop factory in Shepshed and was the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters.
Mick is still remembered by all at the station past and present and his family lay flowers at the station on Mick’s anniversary every year. The high standards that Mick held with his dedication to the communities he served are honoured with a red plaque and give his family the opportunity for a personal memorial to him, as they have been dedicated to remembering him by laying flowers at the station for almost 18 years. The passing of Mick left a huge gap at the station and he can never be replaced. The red plaque will help members of the wider service remember the sacrifice and dedication of Firefighter Mick Bird and provide a memorial for a local hero so our communities, his friends, family and the fire service continue to honour and remember him and his service.
Watch Manager Steve Young at Shepshed fire station, said:
“Mick was a true professional, dedicated to serving his community, he will leave a void within our station and will be sadly missed by us all.”
Below are memories added by those who knew Mick Bird or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Mick Bird that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
Please help support our Firefighters with the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a weekly online lottery created to support firefighters, their bereaved families and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters killed in the line of duty. With your help we can have schemes such as the Red Plaque Project for memorials to those lives lost.
Learn about the history of the Red Plaque Project and discover other Firefighters that have also received Red Plaques.
Photo credits: Mark Thomas
