Honoring a Legacy of Service
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Remembering two local firefighters whose lives were defined by courage, compassion, and service to others.
On March 19, 2024, a replica of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was installed at St. John’s Cemetery in Wishkah Valley. Created and crafted by David J. Anderson, the memorial honors two local firefighters interred at the cemetery: Michael Wayne “Mike” Bieniek and Chadwick Jacob Mittleider.
Both men were added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Honor Roll in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 2023. Their recognition carries special meaning for the Wishkah Valley community, where these dedicated firefighters have come home to rest.
Michael Wayne “Mike” Bieniek
Firefighter
Grays Harbor Fire District #10 – Wishkah Fire Department
1959–2021 · 42 years of service
Michael Wayne “Mike” Bieniek was born on February 19, 1959, and grew up in Wishkah Valley. He attended Wishkah Valley School, Grays Harbor Community College, and Washington State University, where he studied forestry. After returning home, he worked in local lumber mills and later operated a business delivering bagged ice to family-owned stores throughout Grays Harbor County.
After graduating from high school, Mike joined the Wishkah Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He served the department and surrounding community for more than 42 years, responding to fire and aid calls and assisting neighboring departments when needed.
Mike genuinely enjoyed helping people. He was a longtime member of the Northwest Vanning Club, which raised money for Toys for Tots. With his gray beard, warm personality, and cheerful demeanor, he was a natural choice to portray Santa Claus at the club’s Christmas gatherings.
Mike is remembered for his smiling face, easygoing nature, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed him.
Chadwick Jacob Mittleider
Engineer/Paramedic
Aberdeen Fire Department
1969–2021 · 32 years in the fire service
Chadwick Jacob Mittleider was born on June 4, 1969, in Ellendale, North Dakota. Raised on a farm, he learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. After relocating to Washington, he graduated from Ocosta High School in 1988.
Chad began his fire-service career in 1990 as a volunteer with the Ocosta Fire Department. He later served with the Westport Fire Department and South Beach Ambulance Service, earned his EMT and paramedic certifications, and frequently trained and instructed at the Washington State Fire Training Academy in North Bend.
On August 2, 1999, Chad joined the Aberdeen Fire Department. He was promoted to engineer on July 1, 2009, and served in that position until his passing on December 2, 2021. His career included 32 years in the fire service and 22 years with the Aberdeen Fire Department.
Chad’s service extended far beyond the fire station. Through his business, Mitts Tractor Works, he donated time and equipment to improve community athletic fields. He coached and mentored young athletes, believing that everyone who wanted to play deserved a team and a place to participate.
He is remembered for his professionalism, compassion, generosity, competitive spirit, and devotion to his family and community. Whether responding to an emergency, helping with a harvest, improving a playing field, or answering a friend’s call, Chad served others with a generous heart.
With Gratitude
A lasting place of remembrance
The St. John’s Cemetery Association extends its appreciation to those who helped install the memorial:
- Dave A. Busz
- David J. Anderson
- Martha Bodnar
- Bob Bieniek
- Byron Anderson
- The Bieniek, Busz, and Mittleider families
Their work created a lasting place of remembrance for two firefighters whose lives were defined by service to others.
Biographical information was adapted from memorial tributes.