Retired Atascadero fire chief Michael Hicks dies in Arizona
Retired Fire Chief Michael Glenn Hicks.
Celebration of Life for Hicks will be held on April 27 at 3 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion
– The Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services Department is sharing condolences following the passing of retired Fire Chief Michael Glenn Hicks, who died peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Wickenburg, Arizona, at the age of 78. He passed away due to heart-related illness.
Hicks was born in Amarillo, Texas, on April 28, 1946, and raised in Santa Margarita, California. After attending local schools, he began his lifelong career of service with the Atascadero Fire Department in 1966. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and ultimately served as Fire Chief for more than 13 years.
Chief Hicks played a key role in the transition from the Atascadero Fire Protection District to the Atascadero Fire Department after the incorporation of the City of Atascadero. Under his leadership, fire protection services expanded significantly. He also helped launch paramedic-level medical service in 1984 and opened Fire Station 2 in 1986, both important milestones in the community’s emergency response system.
Hicks’ impact on the department is still felt today. His dedication to the fire service inspired his son and grandsons, who followed in his footsteps into their own careers in firefighting.
After retiring, Hicks founded Hicks Custom Photography, where he enjoyed capturing family portraits and scenic photos, often in local fields. His clients appreciated his warm personality and wit, and he was known for his ability to coax smiles from even the most reluctant children.
In 2002, Hicks moved to Washington State and later became a “snowbird,” spending winters in Wickenburg, Arizona, where he pursued his passions for team roping and golf.
A Celebration of Life for Hicks will be held on April 27 at 3 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion. Family and friends are invited to share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Atascadero Firefighters Association for a future memorial honoring all fallen Atascadero firefighters. Donations can be sent to 6005 Lewis Avenue, Atascadero, Calif., 93422.
