When it comes to professional firefighting, Michael Sagely (’96) is one the of the best in the business. As an award-winning helicopter pilot who has spent a lifetime mastering the art of flying into danger and coming out the other side, few can match his precision and grit.
However, when fires began raging though Southern California on January 7, 2025, he described that first night as a failure.
“You are expected to try and save the day—and sometimes you have to let that go,” he says.
Yet, in the days that followed, he and his team would relentlessly dedicate themselves to saving homes and protecting lives.
Fighting Flames from 40 Feet
Michael Sagely is a battle-tested pilot and decorated by the military, county government and the industry. He brings the precision of a combat aviator to the frontlines of California’s wildfires as senior pilot for the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD).
Before he ever gripped the cyclic stick, collective lever and anti-torque pedals, he was mastering spikes, sets and digs as a volleyball standout, even earning a stint with the U.S. Olympic team. Though he didn’t leave with medals—yet—the competition sharpened his resilience, teamwork and strategic thinking, traits that would serve him well in the high-intensity world of aviation and aerial firefighting.
Before joining the United States Army, Sagely had never been in a helicopter. “I was already signed up and accepted, and I thought I probably ought to go take a little ride in a helicopter and make sure that this doesn’t bother me,” he recalls. As an adventurous kid growing up in San Juan Capistrano, he spent time riding motorcycles, skateboarding, and jumping off high places.
He was about to discover thrills at much higher places.
Night Stalking
Sagely enlisted in the U.S. Army in his mid-20s, earning a place in the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. There, he flew UH-60 Black Hawks on classified missions, supporting Special Forces in high-stakes operations. His career spanned 22 years and included service in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His courage and skill earned him seven Air Medals and a Bronze Star.
“You are expected to try and save the day—and sometimes you have to let that go.”
Michael Sagely (’96)
While in the military, Sagely earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle, attending a satellite campus at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. This education reinforced his commitment to operational safety, a principle he still prioritizes.
Following his military service, Sagely transitioned into aerial firefighting, first as a contract fire pilot, before joining the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. In 2009, he became part of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), where his leadership and expertise led to a swift rise to senior pilot.
Facing Down Nature’s Fury
Fires are not freak occurrences in Southern California, and most are quickly under control. However, the recent Los Angeles wildfires pushed even seasoned pilots to their limits. Sagely and his team found themselves facing Santa Ana winds of 50 – to -70 mph with recorded gusts of 100 mph, firestorms that rapidly engulfed thousands of structures and an environment so extreme that most aircraft were grounded.
On his first night out, Sagely and his co-pilot, Christopher Siok, continued flying long after others had landed. Despite being pulled backward by the sheer force of the wind, they managed to stay in the sky to relay crucial fire path updates to ground commanders. They were the last firefighting helicopter in the sky that night, eventually landing in Pacoima with near-empty fuel tanks.
“This was one of the hardest calls I’ve ever had to make. You want to keep going, but at some point, you have to accept the reality of the conditions.”
Michael Sagely (’96)
Reflecting on that night, Sagely admits his frustration, “This was one of the hardest calls I’ve ever had to make. You want to keep going, but at some point, you have to accept the reality of the conditions.”
Precision cannot be compromised. “You could drop water in the wrong spot, and next thing you know you’ve got a bigger problem, or in many instances, you can drop water in the right spots and then 30 minutes later you’ve caught it, and you’ve put that fire down.” Understanding the unforgiving terrain of Los Angeles is critical to making split-second firefighting decisions. With deep canyons, unpredictable wind corridors, and urban-wildland interfaces, pilots must anticipate shifting conditions and use every advantage the topography provides—or risk disaster.
Air Traffic Control from the Air
One of the most critical roles in aerial firefighting is managing airborne operations. Helicopters serve as flying air traffic control towers, coordinating water drops and fire suppression efforts, and relaying real-time information to ground commanders. Sagely often finds himself in this role, overseeing multiple aircraft and ensuring their movements are synchronized for maximum efficiency.
“We have a helicopter coordinator, known as HELCO, who works under the Air Attack Officer to manage all airborne firefighting operations,” Sagely explains. “When fires get extreme, as HELCO, I might be circling at 500 feet above the lowest helicopter, directing aircraft to water sources, coordinating drops and ensuring safe airspace management. It’s all about efficiency and safety.”
The Team Behind the Firefighters
Sagely is quick to deflect personal praise, emphasizing the role of his maintenance team in keeping the firefighting fleet airborne. During the peak of the wildfire crisis, LACFD surged from three to six active helicopters, operating around the clock. This continuing coverage would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of mechanics working behind the scenes—replacing rotor spindles, conducting emergency inspections and ensuring that the aircraft remained mission-ready.
“They are truly the cog in the wheel that makes this possible,” Sagely says. “Without them busting their tails, we’d be out of business.”
An Unshakable Sense of Duty
Sagely’s commitment extends beyond his own missions. He mentors young pilots, instilling in them the importance of preparation, judgment, and precision under pressure. He understands firsthand that aerial firefighting is not just about flying—it’s about decision-making, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm when the margin for error is razor– thin.
They are learning from one of the best. Sagely has earned multiple accolades, including two valor awards from LACFD for his exceptional bravery in the field. His lifesaving missions have also been recognized by Sikorsky, which awarded him three separate rescue awards for outstanding aerial rescues. In January 2024, his decades of precision, leadership, and professionalism were further honored when the Helicopter Association International named him the recipient of its Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award.
Even now, when he’s not fighting fires, Sagely still feeds his adrenaline-fueled spirit with dirt biking and mountain biking, though he admits he’s shifting toward more relaxed hobbies like fly fishing as he gets older. “I still ride motorcycles, dirt bikes, and do some mountain biking, but I’m leaning more toward things that don’t require helmets these days,” he jokes.