Assistant City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly joined Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes to present the October City Manager Leadership Award to Fire Captain Mike Ruhl.

“As someone who worked closely with Mike, I can attest to his dedication to his work, family and faith,” Reyes said. “He is a true leader in the Fire & Rescue Department and a pleasure to work with. I am so happy to be able to present him this award.”

Ruhl has been a member of the CMFR Team since January of 2008, when he was hired as a Firefighter. He became a Paramedic in 2013. Ruhl was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2018 and then promoted to Fire Captain in March of 2020.

Ruhl has served the community and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue in various capacities. These areas include serving on the CMFR Tools & Equipment Committee, CMFR SOP Committee, CMFR Academy Cadre Instructor, CMFR Strategic Planning Committee, CMFR Recruitment Team and the CMFA Executive Board.

He is also CMFR’s Peer Support Coordinator. The Peer Support Group was established in 2017 with Ruhl spearheading the efforts with Battalion Chief Chris Coates. The Peer Support Group now has seven active members to assist as needed and shows the dedication and commitment Ruhl has to his peers and the organization.

“Captain Ruhl is an example of our absolute best, professionally and personally, and on all levels,” Fire Chief Dan Stefano said. “He is highly respected by his peers. His strong core values, ethical leadership acumen, infectious positive energy, authenticity and compassionate care for others is matched with his exceptional work ethic, critical thinking skill sets, impactful mentoring approach, and his unwavering commitment to those around him, always placing the highest priority on his family, his faith and his friends.”

Ruhl holds an Associates of Science degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from Purdue University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.