“It’s not a one-man show,” Pyzick said.

He credits his fellow officers and 25 other firefighters for their hard work and making his job much easier.

The worst call he has been to was on Jan. 15, 2010. A flashover occurred at a home at 500 First Ave. SW, Wells. During the flashover Pyzick along with three fellow firefighters were involved. He was blown three feet from the north door. The other three hugged the floor in the kitchen while the compression passed over them. All four came out safe from the flashover. The initial fire was caused when a poorly thrown cigarette missed a 5-gallon bucket of sand. The flashover occurred when the firefighters put water on the fire, throwing sparks into the attic hitting a combination of toxins waiting for ignition.

He said he doesn’t mind the fire calls, but the car collisions are the worst because of the extrication and not knowing what they will come upon.

With openings coming soon at the Wells Fire Department he encourages residents to apply.

“It does take a lot of time but the rewards are worth it,” Pyzick said.

He said it’s a victory getting to save neighboring homes from damage during a fire, saving lives and helping the community.

Hero: Mike Pyzick
Secret identity: fire chief
Base of operations: Wells Fire Department
Superpowers: organization, quick thinking, fire scene operations and safety for other firefighters
Kryptonite: the new changes of mandatory training, certification and reports
Affiliations: wife, Carrie, son, Sam, 15, and daughter, Morgan, 11
Origin: Pyzick first volunteered as a firefighter when he was asked in 1993. He later became rescue captain for seven years followed by chief for the past six years.