On Thursday, March 20, 2025, City of Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao presented the 2025 State of the City – Rising Together. Mayor Cao celebrated the City of Arcadia’s many successes and shared a look into future goals and projects.
As part of the State of the City, County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Air Operations Section Senior Pilot Michael Sagely was invited to serve as the keynote speaker. Senior Pilot Sagely delivered a moving message on public service along with the important role Air Operations serves in emergency response.
Prior to joining the LACoFD, Michael proudly served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army, he continued his service as a contract fire pilot for the Angeles National Forest Rappel/Helitack crew prior to joining to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and later the LACoFD.
Senior Pilot Sagely’s remarkable career has earned him numerous accolades, including seven Air medals and a Bronze Star in the military, two Medal of Valor awards from the LACoFD, and three Sikorsky rescue awards for heroism in lifesaving missions. In 2024, Senior Pilot Sagely was the recipient of the Helicopter Association International’s Salute to Excellence Pilot the Year Award.
Following the keynote address, the Arcadia City Council recognized Senior Pilot Sagely along with additional members of the LACoFD Air Operations Section for their response to the January 2025 Eaton wildfire.
The LACoFD would like to express our appreciation to the City of Arcadia for the invitation and join in commending Senior Pilot Sagely and the entire Air Operations Section team for their commitment to hometown attentiveness in serving Los Angeles County residents and communities.
